5 from 12 votes
Josephine's Zeppole
Josephine's Zeppole are traditional fried dough pastries made by preparing a yeast-leavened dough that rises until elastic and sticky. Small spoonfuls of dough are deep-fried until golden and cooked through, then dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. They can be enjoyed plain or served with chocolate hazelnut spread as an optional accompaniment.
Prep Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
12
servings
Calories:
186 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 1-3/4 cups water 100-110 degrees F, warm
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil , for frying
- powdered sugar for dusting the fried zeppole, or granulated sugar or cinnamon-sugar
- chocolate hazelnut spread , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and warm water, until dissolved. Let stand 5-10 minutes until yeast is foamy. Stir in flour until well combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. Risen dough will be very sticky and elastic in texture.
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (I use 1 gallon of oil for my 7-quart Dutch oven) to 350-375 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Carefully drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the risen dough into the hot oil, using a second spoon to help ease the dough into the oil. (A small, lightly-oiled cookie scoop also works well.) Fry the zeppole, about 4-6 at a time depending on the size of your pot, until the dough is cooked through and golden, 5-8 minutes. Regulate the heat to maintain oil temperature. Transfer to a paper towel-lined rack or pan.
- While warm, roll fried zeppole in granulated sugar or dust liberally with powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can place either of the sugars in a brown paper bag, add the warm, fried zeppole, and shake to coat. Serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
186kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Sodium
98mg
(4%)
Potassium
39mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Calcium
5mg
(1%)
Iron
1.5mg
(8%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 186
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 186kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 98mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 39mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.