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You are here: Home / Dessert / Italian Orange Frittelle: Fried Dough Balls

Italian Orange Frittelle: Fried Dough Balls

April 14, 2019 by Marisa 18 Comments

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Italian Orange Friiters on a white and blue rack

Italian Orange Frittelle are deep fried dough balls with a soft cake like interior and crispy outer layer. These little morsels are partially made with finely ground almonds, scented with orange mandarin zest and the warmth of vanilla.

Italian Orange Frittelle  

Lately, I’ve been loving these sweet mandarins. And in my home they’re purchased by the bag full whenever the super market stalls are brimming with these citrus fruits. 

Usually, I simply peel them and enjoy these delectable fruits from fresh. 

However, I find their grated peel adds a lovely citrus scent to any baked goods. You can squeeze out the fresh juices and use them in your favourite recipes.

There’s no waste here at all but simply another way of making use of this lovely fruit.

A plateful of tangerines on a white and blue plate.

Italian Frittelle, Italy’s Carnival Food

For all the many ways Italy celebrates Carnival season you’ll probably have just as many varieties of deep fried fritters.

The festivities during this period start in February and are truly extravagant. It’s a procession of elaborate floats and costumes with singing and dancing.

The sweets are just as rich as the costumes worn by those celebrating and usually consist of deep fried morsels of goodness.

Growing up, Castagnole Fritte, made with leavened dough were always enjoyed right up until the Easter holiday. I sometimes fill mine with whatever flavoured jam I may have on hand.

Another popular Italian fritter in my home are Zeppole, Ricotta Doughnuts. These are so incredibly light considering the ricotta in the mix.

Italian frittelle on a baking tray

Today we’re making neither a leavened based fritter nor a ricotta one. 

They’re really quite simple and don’t require much hands on time.

These Italian Orange Frittelle stand apart from other fritters as they have finely ground almonds in the mix. 

Orange flavoured fritters on a silver cooling rack.

How to make orange scented sugar

I’ve taken an extra step of pulsing the sugar together with the orange mandarin zest. Easy right?

It takes one minute of your time and yields such a lovely perfumed sugar concoction.

You’ll have a wonderful citrus aroma in every bite!

Italian fritters on a white and blue plate.

Tip Of The Day

Here’s a tip I learned from Stefan’s Gourmet Blog. 

Stefan gave me an excellent tip on how to accidentally prevent making nut butter when grinding nuts.

All you need to do is simply add sugar when grinding the nuts!

Enjoy these fritters while still hot with a dusting of powdered sugar and your favourite hot beverage. 

You’ll find them simply addictive!

Happing Baking!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

Italian Orange Frittelle
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Italian Orange Frittelle

Italian orange frittelle are deep fried dough balls with a soft cake like interior and crispy outer layer. They're partially made with finely ground almonds and scented with orange mandarin zest and vanilla.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian frittelle, doughnuts, orange, mandarin, fritters
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24 Frittelle doughnuts
Calories 61kcal
Author Marisa

Ingredients

Ground Almond Mixture

  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Orange Sugar Mixture

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon mandarin orange zest

Frittelle Batter

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/2 ounces mandarin orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • a pinch of salt I used fine sea salt
  • vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar for dusting over the fritters

Instructions

  • In a food processor, pulse together the almonds with 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar until very fine in texture.
  • Transfer the almond mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
  • In the same processor pulse together the granulated sugar with the mandarin orange zest.
  • In a large bowl beat together the orange sugar mixture with the egg, orange juice and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Add in the ground almond mixture, the sifted flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and stir the mixture until well combined.
  • In a large heavy pot or a dutch oven, pour in enough oil to reach 2 inches high and heat to 350 degrees F. Preferable using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  • Use a 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop or 2 small spoons to drop bits of dough into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the fritters.
  • Fry the fritters for about 1 1/2 minutes turning often with a slotted spoon until they are puffed up and have an all around golden brown colour in appearance.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the pot and allow to drain on a paper lined cookie sheet.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter.
  • When finished frying the remaining frittelle, dust the fritters with powdered sugar and serve while still warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @marisasitaliankitchen or tag #marisasitaliankitchen!

Filed Under: Dessert Tagged With: fried dough balls, frittelle, fritters, Italian doughnuts, mandarin, orange

Previous Post: « Chocolate Orange Ricotta Tart
Next Post: Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. blankGail’s Snapshotsincursive

    April 14, 2019 at 2:29 pm

    Oh. My. Gosh. 🍃🍊

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 14, 2019 at 2:33 pm

      Total deliciousness Gail🙏🏻😍

      Reply
  2. blankDulce Costa

    April 14, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    Sounds delicious!!! yummy!!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 14, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      Thank you Dulce…they disappear in a flash!

      Reply
  3. blankSandhya

    April 14, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    These sound so scrumptious Marisa!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 15, 2019 at 12:09 am

      Thank you Sandhya, they’re simply wonderful!

      Reply
  4. blankStefanGourmet

    April 15, 2019 at 1:56 am

    Hi Marisa, these look and sound great. The mandarin peel is what makes all the difference. Thanks for the about out!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 15, 2019 at 10:35 am

      Hey Stefan, thanks so much! Your tip works like a charm and yes the mandarin zest really livens up these morsels!

      Reply
  5. blankNidhi Patel

    April 16, 2019 at 10:16 am

    Orange Frittelle sounds divine. Adding to the try list; Mandarin is so readily available for now.

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 17, 2019 at 11:48 am

      They’re so easy to make and any type of orange will do…which probably goes without saying! Thanks so much Nidhi!

      Reply
  6. blankToni Marshall

    April 17, 2019 at 9:08 am

    They look delectable!! I so enjoy finding new Italian recipes!!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 17, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Thanks so much Toni, I’m happy to hear you like it and for dropping by!

      Reply
  7. blankColleen

    April 17, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    Marisa, these little bites are delectable, as are all of your recipes. I can’t wait to make these!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 18, 2019 at 12:05 am

      Thanks so much Colleen! They’re surprisingly easy to put together and will disappear in a flash!

      Reply
  8. blankRos

    April 18, 2019 at 8:54 am

    This sounds delicious! Will have some time this Easter weekend to try this recipe .
    xo Ros @ ZenHealth

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      April 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

      Thank you Ros! They’re delightfully easy to make…enjoy!

      Reply
  9. blankMassimo Rowse-De Franco

    December 11, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Can I buy these already made?? Where?

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      December 16, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      I’m not sure where you can purchase these in your area but they’re fairly easy to make at home! Definitely give them a go!

      Reply

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blankHi I'm Marisa! Welcome to my little corner of the web where you'll find delicious foods inspired by my Italian heritage and Canadian upbringing. So kick off your shoes, have a seat and stay awhile... Read More…

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