NEAPOLITAN STRUFFOLI

Neapolitan Struffoli image

Struffoli is a Neapolitan dessert that is traditionally prepared at Christmas and made of tiny dough balls that have been deep-fried and soaked in honey, then piled high on plates and trays. Some like to form them in the shape of Christmas trees or wreaths, always festively covered with multi-colored candy sprinkles. People who grew up with this traditional Christmas treat go out of their way to make sure there is a struffoli on the holiday table.

Provided by FestivelySouthern

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian

Time 1h

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (such as King Arthur®)
1 lemon, zested
½ orange, zested
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 jumbo eggs
½ cup cane sugar
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups honey
¼ cup multi-colored sprinkles, or more to taste

Steps:

Combine flour, lemon zest, orange zest, baking powder, and salt together in a food processor; pulse to combine. Mix eggs and sugar together in a separate bowl; add 1/3 cup olive oil and vanilla extract and beat again. Mix together with flour mixture using hands to knead.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat frying oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat until the temperature reaches 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), about 5 minutes.
Transfer dough to a floured work surface; continue to knead sticky dough with floured hands. Flatten dough into a thin loaf about 10 inches long. Cut long ropes from the loaf, then slice ropes into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Fry dough pieces in batches in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Heat honey in a saucepan until warm and fluid, about 1 minute. Pour hot honey over struffoli and toss to coat. Sprinkle with multi-colored sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.2 calories, Carbohydrate 25.1 g, Cholesterol 30.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 66.8 mg, Sugar 15 g