A wonderfully authentic recipe for “Castagnole”, an Italian Fried Dough Balls recipe . These are perfect morsels of dough fried to golden brown perfection. If you loved my Blueberry Glazed Doughnuts or Beignets, you will adore these!
A few years ago, Frederick and I had the pleasure of going to Rome. I can’t remember falling in love with a city the way I fell in love with Rome. There is so much love and culture to be celebrated there. From the architecture and celebrated art to, of course, the food, I can see why I fell quick and hard.
When I received my talented friend Kristina Gill’s (Food and Drinks Editor for one of my absolute favorite websites Design Sponge) new cookbook with co-author Katie Parla called Tasting Rome, my love reignited in such a beautiful way. Flipping through the book, I knew this was something special and real. This book truly reveals a Rome we never hear about and see. Through the pages of this book, I experienced a truly exceptional city with so much depth, community and soul.
I knew that whatever I attempted to make would be very authentic. Being that desserts are my love language, I went straight for the Castagnole. It spoke to me. They looked like the most gorgeous fried dough holes I ever did lay eyes on. I didn’t know much about them so I did a little research on what these babies were. Apparently, they are best known as an Italian carnival treat. In Tasting Rome, I learned that Castagnole are sold in bakeries before Lent. Then I delved a little deeper and saw that their traditional Carnevale takes place right before Lent.
Starring at the photo in the cookbook, I could just imagine these luscious and sweet fried dough balls coming out of the grease nice and hot. Rolling them in sugar was the icing on the umm…. castagnole? They were amazing. The texture is quite lovely. The outside has a nice crunch while the inside is soft, tender and perfectly pillowy.
Because I had some leftover Strawberry Rhubarb Compote from the Riesling Rhubarb Crisp Cake I recently posted, I paired the fried dough balls with that, and it was a magical partnership. I dipped a few warm castagnole in the compote, and it was downright heavenly. They are wonderful on their own as well, but this makes the treat perfect for the spring season.
I cannot wait to try more authentic recipes in this book, and because I love “Tasting Rome” so so much, I am giving two away today old school style!!!!
Just leave me a comment below with your email address telling me why you want to win this book (could it be for the Castagnole recipe?), and I will pick two commenters at random. Contest ends Monday, May 9th!
Castagnole (Fried Dough Balls)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch baking soda
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice from 1/2 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Sambuca
- 5 tablespoons sugar plus more for coating
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the flour, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, orange juice, lemon juice, Sambuca, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk in a large bowl until smooth.
- In a small pot or cast-iron skillet, heat 2 1/2 inches of neutral oil to 350F over medium heat. Using a teaspoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then carefully scrape it off with a second teaspoon into the hot oil.
- Cook the castagnole in batches of four or five for about 4 minutes, until a deep golden brown. Halfway through cooking, they will turn themselves over in the oil. Take care not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined tray or plate to drain, then roll them in sugar while they are still hot so that the sugar sticks.
- Castagnole are best eaten the day they are prepared, but they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
I loved these as a kid. I haven’t had them in a long time. I can’t wait to make them. I would love this book to share with my grandchildren!!
Amazing! Can’t wait to make these! ALL of your recipes are top notch!
I can’t wait to give these castagnoles a try!!!! They made my mouth water so much that I needed a hankie, LOL Your food always makes me want to get off my hind end & in the kitchen & give your recipes my best shot @ making whatever I’m drawn to @ first sight. Thanks for sharing with all That has found your site
Made this recipe for the first of many times tonight. Light and not greasy, I even liked them plain, before they had a chance to make it into the sugar. I would love a new cookbook full of recipes as yummy as this 🙂 Skester816@gmail.com
My Grandma and Aunts made these. This sure brings back memories of holiday gatherings. I, myself, haven’t made these in years but will sure attempt them this week. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy years ago and had made plans to revisit when good ole Covid came along. Hopefully we can reschedule soon and re-visit our family there and all the wonder sites in Italia!
do i have to use sambuca can I substitute with anise extract . I am Italian I have never heard or tasted these before.
Thank you for this recipe! I plan to make it this weekend for my husband and stepdaughter. I was in Italy many years ago and this recipe brings back so many lovely delicious memories! Many thanks!
Think my mom and grand mom made these when I was a
Kid .
I haven’t rated them in 50 years!
Thanks for helping me retrieve an incredible recipie