For the longest time I wanted to make Italian Zeppole. Just like the ones I had at the Feast of San Gennaro in NYC’s Little Italy.
Finally I started making them. Funny how self isolation from the COVID-19 virus helped kick me out of procrastination.
I searched around the internet and found this Zeppole recipe from The Italian Chef:
It’s a no muss, no fuss recipe that was easy to follow. Except I did a few things differently.
Making this Zeppole recipe brought me back to the days I visited San Gennaro Festival with my family.
As well as adding an inch to my waistline.
————————————————————————————————
ZEPPOLE INGREIDENTS:
Yields 20 to 24 Zeppole the size of two to three golf balls
For the Yeast Mixture:
1 Cup Warm Water 105°F – 110°F (41°C – 43°C)
1 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
1 Tablespoon Sugar
For Zeppole Mixture:
2 Cups All Purpose Flour (Unsifted)
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Oil
Other Ingredients:
Lots of Powdered Sugar
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Directions:
Put active dry yeast and sugar into warm water and wait 2 to 5 minutes until a nice foam forms.
Put flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and mix before adding yeast mixture. Next add the oil and mix while scrapping the sides of the bowl with a good silicone spatula.
Mix the batter vigorously for around 30 seconds.
Place plastic wrap to seal the bowl and place a damp towel or a large enough saucepan lid to cover the bowl. Keep the batter in a warm area and let the mix rise for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When the zeppole batter has risen heat a large heavy bottomed sauce pan with 2 and 2.5 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C)
Use two tablespoons or if you have a 1.5 Tablespoon ice cream scooper to drop the zeppole batter into the hot oil. Put in six a time. Should take about 1 minute for the zeppole to get nice and golden brown on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to flip zeppole for a nice even color.
When finished immediately smother zeppole with a generous portion of powdered sugar and ENJOY!
————————————————————————————————
Recommended Cooking Utensils from Amazon.com
Silicone Heat Resistant Spatula:
Scooper with Trigger:
Large Pyrex Glass Bowl: