Chiacchiere di Carnevale: The Traditional Recipe

Chiacchiere di Carnevale are known by different names across Italy: bugie, cenci, frappe, galani, or cròstoli, depending on the region. These fried treats are much-loved, crispy, and light, perfect for celebrating the Carnival season.

The History of Chiacchiere di Carnevale

The history of Chiacchiere dates back to ancient Rome, when during the Saturnalia, a festival similar to today’s Carnival, they prepared frictilia. These fried sweets cooked in pork fat were distributed to the crowd in the streets. One of the most famous food lovers of the time, Apicius, described a version of these sweets in his book “De re coquinaria.” His fritters, made with eggs and spelt flour, were fried in lard and then dipped in honey, giving life to a dessert very similar to today’s chiacchiere.

Ingredients for Chiacchiere di Carnevale (makes 50-60 pieces)

Here are the ingredients to make authentic Chiacchiere di Carnevale:

• 500 g Dolce 190 | Type “0” soft wheat flour for Biscuits and Pastry
• 60 g granulated sugar
• 4 medium eggs
• 60 g melted butter
• 50 g dry Marsala wine
• Zest of 1 organic lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 liter of Peranzana monocultivar extra virgin olive oil
• Powdered vanilla sugar for garnish

Method

Preparing the dough

1. Mix the flour with the sugar and salt in a bowl.
2. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, and Marsala.
3. Mix the liquid ingredients with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides until you get a compact dough that pulls away from the sides.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

After resting, roll out the dough using a pasta machine (setting 2) or by hand, trying to achieve an even thickness. The more you fold the dough, the lighter and bubblier the chiacchiere will be. Use a pasta cutter to create medium-sized rectangles.
Place the rectangles on lightly floured surfaces, ensuring they don’t stick to each other.

Frying the Chiacchiere

1. Heat plenty of extra virgin olive oil in a small pan to 175°C.
2. Fry the chiacchiere one by one: bubbles will immediately form on the surface.
3. Turn them over after 3-4 seconds and continue frying until lightly golden.
4. Drain them with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper.

Why Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Frying

Choosing extra virgin olive oil instead of seed oils for frying chiacchiere is essential. Extra virgin olive oil has a much higher smoke point than seed oils, making it safer for frying and less likely to produce harmful substances. Moreover, it’s not true that it makes fried foods greasier; on the contrary, it keeps them light and crispy. During frying, extra virgin olive oil releases its aroma and polyphenols, giving the chiacchiere a richer and more distinctive flavor that seed oils cannot provide.

Tips for Perfect Frying

Frying chiacchiere is a quick process, but it’s important to monitor the oil’s temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chiacchiere will darken too quickly. If necessary, change the oil during the process to ensure even and light frying.

How to Serve Chiacchiere di Carnevale

Once cooled for about 15 minutes, sprinkle with powdered vanilla sugar on both sides. Serve them in a basket or on a serving dish. Chiacchiere will stay crispy for a few days if stored in a dry place.

With this recipe, you’ll bring the authentic flavor of Italian Carnival to your table, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The Importance of Choosing Quality Ingredients

The most important thing to achieve excellent Chiacchiere di Carnevale is the quality of the ingredients. Choosing a flour like ours makes a difference, giving the dessert a unique aroma, crispiness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that industrial products cannot offer. Our flour contains no unwanted elements like glyphosate, pesticides, or any kind of additives. It’s a natural, genuine, and healthy product, perfect for those who want to bring real food to their table.

Buy our flour now and experience the pleasure of making authentic desserts, with the flavor and quality that only selected ingredients can guarantee.