Description
Pignolata Calabrese is a traditional Italian dessert from Calabria. It consists of small fried dough balls coated in honey or sugar glaze, often shaped into a wreath or pyramid.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 50g sugar
- 50g butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 300g honey or sugar glaze
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl.
- Add eggs and melted butter, knead into a smooth dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 2cm diameter).
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the balls until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Heat honey or prepare sugar glaze in a saucepan.
- Toss the fried balls in the honey or glaze until coated.
- Shape into a wreath or pyramid on a serving plate.
- Decorate with sprinkles or nuts if desired.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a neutral oil for frying, like sunflower or peanut oil.
- Work quickly when coating the balls to prevent sticking.
- For a crispier texture, fry in small batches.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Pignolata Calabrese, Italian dessert, honey balls, Calabrian sweets