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

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings 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.

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