How to Make Tortelli di Carnevale (Italian Carnevale Doughnuts) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Tortelli di Carnevale, also known as Italian Carnevale Doughnuts, are a classic treat enjoyed during the festive season of Carnevale in Italy. These delicious fried doughnuts are a traditional sweet indulgence that is often filled with a rich and creamy filling, making them a must-have during the Italian celebration.

Carnevale, which is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent, is a time for feasting and revelry before the period of fasting and abstinence. It is a time of joy and cel...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 12 fluid ounces water
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 fluid ounces anise-flavored liqueur
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons grappa
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 2 cups lard, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 2 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Combine water, butter, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in flour until well mixed. Return saucepan to medium heat; cook and stir until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the saucepan, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and stir anise-flavored liqueur, sugar, grappa, and lemon zest into dough. Cool dough to room temperature, at least 30 minutes.
  • Beat egg yolks into the cooled dough until well mixed. Cover bowl with a clean towel and let rest for 3 hours.
  • Beat egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form; gently fold into the dough until no white streaks remain.
  • Heat lard in a heavy saucepan over medium heat or in a deep fryer. Form dough into balls the size of golf balls; fry in the hot lard in batches, until doughnuts are lightly browned and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    299 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 94mg
    • Sodium: 49mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 19mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 59mg