Why Make This Recipe
Italian ricotta fritters are a delightful treat that are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. They are simple to make and use common ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. These fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Plus, they can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a great choice for gatherings or family meals.
How to Make Italian Ricotta Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Oil for frying
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, salt, egg, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm with fresh fruit, honey, or chocolate sauce.
How to Serve Italian Ricotta Fritters
You can serve these fritters warm as a delicious breakfast or a sweet snack. They taste amazing on their own, but adding fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or chocolate sauce makes them even better. You can also enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Italian Ricotta Fritters
To store leftovers, let the fritters cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Italian Ricotta Fritters
- Use full-fat ricotta for richer flavor and texture.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the fritter batter; this helps them to cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches if needed.
- For added flavor, you can experiment with different extracts or add chocolate chips to the batter.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a fruity touch, consider adding chopped berries or banana to the batter before frying.
FAQs
1. Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use part-skim ricotta, but the fritters may be slightly less rich.
2. How can I tell when the oil is ready for frying?
You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. If it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready.
3. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Italian Ricotta Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Italian ricotta fritters that are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, salt, egg, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm with fresh fruit, honey, or chocolate sauce.
Notes
Use full-fat ricotta for richer flavor. Ensure oil is hot before adding batter and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian