Savory Zeppole Recipes

SAVORY ZEPPOLE

Steps:

• Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water.
• Let rest to rise.
• This is a yeast dough so flour is aproximate as temperature and humidity effect yeast doughs.
• The dough should be very soft with just enough flour so that it is not sticky.
• You don't want it to be as firm as bread dough.
• After dough rests for about 2 hours, divide dough into 16 pieces.
• Place an anchovy or alternate filling in your palm.
• Fold dough over and make a ball.
• In heavy pot or deep frier, heat oil to about 350ºF.
• Add Zeppole to hot oil and cook until golden brown.
• If the zeppole don't turn themselves you will need to do it so that they cook evenly and are not raw in the center.

ZEPPOLE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over moderate heat, combine 2 cups water with the butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the salt. Cook until the butter and sugar are melted, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat. Stir in the flour then place over low heat, and using a wooden spoon, beat constantly until the dough is stiff, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool for 4 minutes.
• Transfer the batter to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, and let the dough sit for 2 minutes. Turn the mixer on low and add the eggs, one at a time, until the batter is thick and ribbonlike (the dough should be the temperature of lukewarm water). Cover with plastic wrap and let the batter cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon and set aside.
• Line a baking sheet with 2 layers of paper towels.
• Using a deep-fat fryer (or a heavy large pot and a deep-fat thermometer), heat the oil until it reaches 350°F. Working in 3 batches, carefully scoop 12 individual tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Fry the _zeppole_s until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer as done to the prepared baking sheet and return oil to 350°F between batches.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve immediately.