Castagnole - Italian Carnival Donuts

Castagnole, or Italian carnival donuts, are a famous traditional dessert, most well-known for being served at Carnevale. Their chestnut-like shape is how they get their name, and their soft yet crunchy texture is a big reason why they're such a crowd-pleaser among Italians (especially during carnival time). The carnival donuts are usually fried and then rolled in sugar while they're still warm.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 30

Total Time 1 15

Servings castagnole

Calories 142kcal

Author Pina Bresciani

Ingredients

1 ½ cup (225g) all purpose flour
2 eggs large
3 tablespoon butter
¼ cup granulated sugar plus more for dusting
zest of one lemon
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon rum
pinch of salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
500-700 mL peanut oil or sunflower oil for frying

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except for the oil.
beat with a fork until a ball starts to form, a few minutes.
Transfer the dough to a wooden board, add a touch more flour if dough is moist.
Knead with your hands until dough is smooth, a few minutes.
Wrap in saran wrap and let rest at room temperature for half hour.
Remove a piece of dough from the ball (about ¼), and roll into a log.
Cut the log into pieces, and roll each piece into one ball. Each ball should weigh about 20 grams. Repeat this process until all the dough is formed into balls.
Heat the oil in a small saucepan. Once hot enough to fry (I always test with a wooden spoon- insert the end of the spoon into the oil - if it starts to bubble, it's ready), drop about 4-5 balls in the oil.
Fry the ball until they are golden in color - about 2 minutes. If they are frying to fast, reduce the heat of the oil.
Remove using a skimmer and place the castagnole on a plate lined with paper towel.
Repeat this process for all the balls.
While the castagnole are frying, place granulated sugar in a small bowl and roll the castagnole in the sugar to coat them.
Let them cool slightly, and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition