Julia Busuttil Nishimura's apple and ricotta frittelle

Name: Julia Busuttil Nishimura's apple and ricotta frittelle
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g full-fat ricotta; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp castor sugar; 1 apple, coarsely grated; 2 tbsp sultanas; 1 tsp vanilla extract; pinch cinnamon; zest of 1 lemon; 200g self-raising flour; vegetable oil, for frying; icing sugar, to dust

Julia Busuttil Nishimura

Updated July 21, 2020,first published July 20, 2020

Yeast-free apple and ricotta frittelle.William Meppem

Time:< 30 minsMakes:12

Traditionally eaten during Carnevale in Italy, these frittelle spiked with cinnamon, marsala and lemon, are irresistible any time of the year. They are incredibly light thanks to the ricotta, and since yeast is not needed here they come together within minutes. I've added sultanas to the batter, which add a lovely sweetness, but raisins or currants could be used instead. And a tablespoon of marsala is another good addition, if you have it.

Ingredients

200g full-fat ricotta
2 eggs
2 tbsp castor sugar
1 apple, coarsely grated
2 tbsp sultanas
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch cinnamon
zest of 1 lemon
200g self-raising flour
vegetable oil, for frying
icing sugar, to dust

Cost breakdown

Full fat ricotta $3.44
Eggs $0.75
Apples $0.49
Sultanas $0.20
Vanilla extract $0.74
Cinnamon $0.01
Lemons $0.83
Total $6.46

Method

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs and sugar until smooth. Stir in the grated apple, sultanas, vanilla, cinnamon and lemon and then add in the flour and mix until just combined. The batter needn't be perfectly smooth. But it should be mixed well enough so no flour remains in the bowl.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan or deep-fryer to 170C and spoon heaped tablespoons of the batter into the oil. Fry the frittelle in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towel. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.
Also try: Julia Busuttil Nishimura's pantry spaghetti
The $15 challenge: Click here for more budget- and family-friendly recipes

The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.