Description
Gnocco Fritto is a classic Italian fried bread from Emilia Romagna—light, golden, and irresistibly airy. These puffed pillows of dough are perfect served warm with prosciutto, mortadella, salami, and soft cheeses, bringing a touch of authentic Italian tradition to your table.
Ingredients
500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
200 g (0.85 cups) water (lukewarm or sparkling)
1 tsp dry yeast
70 g (4.7 tbsp) butter or extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar
12 g (2 tsp) salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix 8 tbsp (60 g) of flour with the dry yeast, sugar, and 7 tbsp (50–60 g) of water. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume and bubbly, about 1 hour.
- Add the remaining flour and water to the mixture. Knead until a dough forms, adding a little extra water if needed to incorporate all the flour.
- Gradually knead in the butter or olive oil, a little at a time, until fully absorbed. Add the salt and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball, score a cross on top, and place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until tripled in volume.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into 2-inch-wide strips, then into diamond-shaped pieces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to frying temperature (around 180°C / 350°F). Fry one or two pieces at a time until puffed and golden, about 1 minute total, turning once.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with a sprinkle of salt and your favorite cold cuts and cheeses.
Notes
Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Ensure oil is hot enough for the dough to puff immediately.
For extra lightness, use sparkling water in the dough.
Can be made sweet by dusting with powdered sugar and drizzling with honey.
Best served warm the same day, but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
