Zeppoli

Italian fried bread dough, traditionally made at Christmas Eve.

Total Time

2 Hours 10 Minutes

Servings

15

Ingredients

  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (40°C)
  • 1 1/2 cups plain flour
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons icing sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a saucepan to 119°C. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Sir the remaining 1/2 cup water into the bowl. Add flour, beating vigorously until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface, and knead with greased hands until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, about 1 to 1/1/2 hours.
  4. Fry golf ball sizes of dough in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with icing sugar, and eat whilst still hot.