Struffoli
Honey balls (Naples)- Yield
- Serves 8–10
- Active
- 1 hour
- Total
- 1 1/2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
The story
Struffoli are small balls of dough, the size of hazelnuts, fried until golden and crisp on the outside, then tossed while still hot in warmed honey until they cling together in one glistening, sticky heap, usually shaped into a ring or a mound, and decorated with colored sprinkles and candied fruit. The name probably comes from the Greek word "strongoulos," round, which suggests the recipe reached Naples and its surroundings as far back as the Greek colonization of southern Italy, long before Naples ever became part of a unified Italy. Making struffoli is traditionally a family undertaking in which the children take part. Shaping hundreds of tiny balls by hand goes faster with more hands, and the children are usually given the job of rolling the dough into ropes before it is cut. The struffoli are served on a large platter that stays on the table for days, and guests help themselves with their fingers. The stickiness is part of the experience, not a flaw.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 1 cup honey
- Colored sprinkles and candied fruit, for decorating
Method
- Mix the flour, eggs, sugar, butter, orange zest, and salt into a smooth, firm dough. Knead a few minutes, then rest 20–30 minutes, covered.
- Roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick and cut into small pieces (about the size of a chickpea).
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry the dough pieces in batches until golden and puffed, about 2–3 minutes, stirring so they color evenly. Drain on paper towels.
- Warm the honey in a wide pan over low heat until it thins slightly. Add the fried dough balls and toss gently to coat completely.
- Pile the honey-coated balls onto a serving plate in a ring or mound shape, and scatter with sprinkles and bits of candied fruit before the honey sets.