Crostoli

If you have a free afternoon and are thinking about something delicious to prepare, then I invite you to try a simple and quick recipe for crostoli. These little fried wonders are perfect to enjoy with loved ones and will surely disappear from the plate faster than you can blink. Crostoli are a traditional dessert with a rich history that brings joy and nostalgia to many homes. Let's discover together how to make them!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 200 ml of liquid cream (vegetable is perfect)
- 250-270 g of flour
- Oil for frying (about 500 ml, depending on the size of the pan)

Preparation:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the 200 ml of liquid cream. Make sure the cream is at room temperature for better incorporation. Then, start gradually adding the flour, mixing with a spatula or a wooden spoon. It is important to use quality flour to achieve a slightly crispy and fluffy texture.

2. Kneading the dough: Once the ingredients start to combine, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead well for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or the crostoli will become too hard.

3. Rolling out the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes. This will help the gluten in the flour relax, making it easier to roll out. After resting, divide the dough into 2-3 equal parts. Use a rolling pin to roll each portion into thin sheets about 2-3 mm thick. The thinner the sheets, the crispier the crostoli will be.

4. Cutting shapes: Using a pastry cutter or a special knife, cut the dough into diamond or square shapes. You can leave a small window in the center of each diamond to allow bubbles to escape during frying, giving them an attractive appearance.

5. Frying: In a deep pot, heat the oil to a medium temperature (about 170-180°C). Test the temperature by adding a small piece of dough: if it rises to the surface and starts to bubble, the oil is ready. Fry crostoli in batches of 3-4 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch will take about 2-3 minutes to brown nicely.

6. Draining excess oil: Once the crostoli are browned, remove them with a spatula and let them drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. It’s tempting to taste them immediately, but wait a little, as their flavor and texture develop better after they cool.

7. Finishing: After they have cooled, generously dust them with powdered sugar. This will not only give them an attractive appearance but will also add a touch of sweetness that perfectly contrasts with their crispiness.

Serving suggestion: Crostoli can be enjoyed simply, but if you want to give them a special touch, you can serve them with warm chocolate sauce or caramel sauce. Additionally, a fragrant tea or fresh coffee will perfectly complement their flavor!

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of crostoli (about 100g) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed. While they are not exactly a diet dessert, crostoli provide moments of joy and nostalgia, and when enjoyed in moderation, they can be a delicious treat.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use animal-based cream? Yes, you can use any type of cream, but vegetable cream will provide a slightly lighter texture.
- What other ingredients can I add to the dough? You can experiment with vanilla sugar or lemon zest to give them an extra flavor.
- How can I store crostoli? It is best to consume them fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, although the texture will change.

Possible variations: If you want to make crostoli more interesting, you can add cocoa powder to the dough or use flavors like almond extract. Also, let your creativity run wild with the shapes! Crostoli of different sizes and shapes will add a playful aspect to your plate.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking and enjoy these wonderful crostoli! Enjoy your meal!