Authentic Italian Crispelli Recipe: A Delightful Treat from Italy's Kitchens

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semolina flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F.
Fry the dough balls, a few at a time, until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Drain the crispelli on paper towels to remove excess oil.
While still warm, dust the crispelli with powdered sugar.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Needed to mix and combine the dry ingredients.
Separate bowl - Used to dissolve the yeast in warm water.
Clean kitchen towel - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Greased bowl - Used to hold the dough while it rises.
Floured surface - Needed to knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Deep fryer or large saucepan - Used for frying the crispelli.
Paper towels - Used to drain excess oil from the fried crispelli.

Recipe variations

Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and semolina flour.
Whole Wheat Variation: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier taste.
Herb Crispelli: Add dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme to the dough for added flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Crispelli: Mix in minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the dough before frying.
Sweet Crispelli: Sprinkle the fried crispelli with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Chocolate Crispelli: Stuff the dough with a small piece of chocolate before frying, creating a delicious molten chocolate center.
Fruit-filled Crispelli: Fill the dough with your favorite fruit preserves or pie filling before frying.
Vegetarian Variation: Serve the crispelli with a variety of savory dips, such as marinara sauce, hummus, or spinach artichoke dip.
Spicy Crispelli: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dough for a kick of heat.
Cheesy Crispelli: Sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese on top of the crispelli right after frying, and let it melt.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious Crispelli recipe! This traditional Italian delicacy is a form of deep-fried dough that is light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet. These golden-brown treats are dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for those new to cooking or experienced chefs looking for a simple yet delightful dessert. Making Crispelli can also be a fun family activity, as kids will love helping with the kneading and forming process. The end result is a batch of warm, sugar-dusted pastries that are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. Enjoy the process and the mouthwatering outcome!

Common questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of semolina flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of semolina flour, but using a combination of both will give the crispelli a nice texture.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the amount and skip the initial step of dissolving the yeast in water. Follow the instructions on the package for the appropriate measurement.
Can I bake the crispelli instead of frying them? While the traditional method involves frying the crispelli, you can try baking them as an alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the dough balls on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Can I freeze the dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with dividing and frying the dough balls.
Can I add flavorings or toppings to the crispelli? Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. After frying, you can also sprinkle the crispelli with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even drizzle them with honey or chocolate sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry and wet ingredients and to knead the dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Dough Scraper - Useful for scraping dough off the work surface and dividing the dough into small balls.
Deep Fryer or Large Saucepan - To fry the crispelli until they are golden brown.
Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried crispelli from the oil and drain excess oil.
Paper Towels - To absorb excess oil from the crispelli.
Sifter or Sieve - For dusting powdered sugar onto the crispelli.
Platter or Serving Dish - To present and serve the crispelli.

Origin stories

Crispelli is a traditional Italian dessert, hailing from the region of Calabria. These delightful little pastries are typically prepared during the festive holiday season, when families gather to celebrate with an abundance of delicious food. Given its deep ties to family tradition, it is often said that every Italian grandmother has her own unique recipe for Crispelli, with subtle variations that make each batch distinctive. The name 'Crispelli' translates to 'little crisp ones', which perfectly captures the texture of these golden, deep-fried treats. While the process of making Crispelli can be time-consuming, the sight of these sugary delights dusted with powdered sugar, served warm, and shared amongst loved ones makes it all worthwhile.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.