Pignolata (Sicilian Fried Dough Balls With Honey and Pine Nuts) Recipe

Traditional Sicilian fried dough balls, known as Pignolata, are coated in a sweet honey glaze and topped with pine nuts for a festive treat.

Category Tags:

DessertCandy

Cuisine Tags:

Italian

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Instructions

  1. On a wooden board, combine 1 cup flour, eggs, and salt; knead until incorporated.

  2. Gradually add remaining flour until a medium-soft, easily molded dough forms; knead until smooth, then divide in half.

  3. On a lightly floured board, roll each dough half to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 1/4-inch strips, then roll strips into small ropes and cut into 1/4-inch, marble-sized pieces.

  4. Heat oil in a deep pot. Fry dough pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned, stirring constantly, then remove and drain on paper towels.

  5. In a skillet, heat sugar and honey over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until smooth and sugar dissolves. Add fried dough, stirring to coat evenly.

  6. Arrange coated dough on a platter, sprinkle with pine nuts and candy confetti, then let cool.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

Calories: 609 kcal
Carbohydrate: 44 g
Cholesterol: 74 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 83 mg
Sugar: 25 g
Fat: 47 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g