Ricotta Cheese Fritters Recipe |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes |
Ready In: 10 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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The batter for these delicious cloud-like fritters is flecked with lemon zest for a flavor that's subtle rather than sharp. A side of cool, satiny lemon curd for dipping reinforces the citrus theme - and almost upstages the main event. Ingredients:
for the fritters |
* 4 cups canola oil, for deep-frying |
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
* 1/2 cup cake flour |
* 1 tablespoon baking powder |
* 1 teaspoon coarse salt |
* 4 large eggs |
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar |
* 1 pound ricotta cheese, drained |
* 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest |
* 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract |
* confectioners' sugar, for dusting |
for the curd |
* 8 large egg yolks |
* 1 cup granulated sugar |
* 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest |
* 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 3 lemons) |
* 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt |
* 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces |
Directions:
1. Directions
2. Make the curd:
3. 1. Prepare an ice-water bath. Combine yolks, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, 9 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add butter, stirring until it melts. Immediately strain through a fine sieve into a nonreactive bowl. Set bowl over ice-water bath, and place plastic wrap directly onto the surface of curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
4. 2. Make the fritters: Heat oil in a medium saucepan to 350 degrees. Sift flours, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl.
5. 3. Mix together eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until just combined. Add ricotta, lemon zest, and vanilla, and stir until well combined. Add flour mixture, and stir until smooth.
6. 4. Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, carefully drop a few balls of dough into oil. Cook, turning 2 to 3 times, until golden brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes total. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain temperature of oil. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on a plate, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer curd to a serving bowl, and serve with fritters.
7. Makes About 40 (serves about 6)
8. Notes:
9. Chilling the ricotta mixture after mixing it allows the flavors to come together and makes the balls easier to form.
10. Using a freshly made ricotta makes all the difference in these delicious fried morsels.
11. Do not crowd the pan; cook only a few fritters at a time. They taste best when served immediately after frying.
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