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It is Carnival and in Italy that means fried foods, a lot of them. From different types of doughnuts and fried dough, the most famous one is Chiacchiere. These pasta-like goodies have different names in every village. Be it as it may, they are delicious and incredibly easy to make.
When I was a child, I used to look forward to Carnival, not only for being able to create my own costume and have fun with friend, but mostly to be able to eat Chiacchiere until I would get sick.
Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
500 g Flour
50 g Butter
3 Eggs
1 Egg yolk
1 pckg Vanilla Sugar
1 pinch Salt
70 g Sugar
30 g Grappa (Alternatively you can Use Vodka)
1 pckg Baking Powder
Vegetabole oil for frying
Powdered sugar
*Although it is better to use a pasta machine to roll out the dough, you can do it by hand, as long as the dough is about 2 mm thick.
Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, eggs and the grappa and mix until all the ingredients are combined. Add the vanilla sugar and the butter and work it well. Now remove from the mixer and knead it by hand. Wrap in clear foil and leave to rest for about 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 and work it in a pasta machine until it is smooth and about 2 mm thick. Cut it into squares of about 7 cm * 5 cm.
In a skillet or frying pan, heat the oil and fry a few squares at the time until golden brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.
Do you celebrate Carnival? If so, do you have any typical dishes you only eat during Carnival? Let me know in the comments below.
Love,
Raffi
