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Carnival pastries ‘chiacchiere’

⏱ 50 min🍳 15 min👤 6 pp★★★★☆

Among the pastries of the Italian confectionery tradition we make a special note of the ‘chiacchiere’, a sweet pastry intimately connected to the festivities of the Carnival period. The shape of these pastries take that of a strip with a zig-zag edge, twisted inside out to form a knot. They are made with a simple dough of flour which is then cooked in hot oil or, for those who want something rather lighter and more digestible, in the oven. When cooked, they are sprinkled with icing sugar so as to make them even more appetizing and attractive to look at. If you are a feeling a bit self-indulgent, you can replace the icing sugar with melted chocolate which you add in thin strands to the crispy pastry. The end result will certainly be very appetizing, irresistible to both young and old. Find out with us how to make them!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 385 kcal / serving
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
18g
Fiber
0.8g

* approximate values per serving

Information
50 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Arrange the flour with a hole in the centre, and add: the sugar, a pinch of salt, olive oil, orange zest, eggs and liqueur. Work with your hands until the dough is soft but firm. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. After this time, roll it out to a thickness of about ½ cm. Cut out the shapes you prefer with a pastry wheel: a diamond shapes for the Tuscan version, rectangles with a cut in the centre for the classic form. In this latter case you will have to make the rectangles, cut a slot in the centre with the pastry wheel and then fold one of the ends inside the slot before flattening out again. Fry the pastries in hot oil and drain on a paper towel. When they are cool, sprinkle with icing sugar.

Tips
The cooking of these carnival pastries must be done in oil of a constant temperature: to check the temperature, equip yourself with a thermometer or do the test with a toothpick: as it rests on the bottom of the pan, if you notice bubbles on it this means that the oil is hot enough.
Trivia
There are several variants of these carnival pastries: in the dough, for example, you can replace the grappa with other spirits such as rum, brandy or marsala. The tradition of making these pastries dates back to the sweet snacks fried in pork fat that in ancient Rome were only made during the Carnival period.

Step by step

Form a dough with the ingredients
Form a dough with the ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Carnival Chiacchiere with powdered sugar

The Carnival Chiacchiere with powdered sugar are a sweet and indulgent variant of this classic Italian dessert. To prepare them, follow the traditional recipe, but add a generous dusting of powdered sugar on the crispy surface before serving. This final touch not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds an extra sweetness that perfectly complements the fragrance of the chiacchiere. You can also experiment with alternative flavors, such as cinnamon or cocoa, to give a personal touch to your preparation. These chiacchiere, crispy and light, are perfect for celebrating Carnival with family or friends, bringing a bit of sweetness to every festive moment.

Tuscan Carnival Chiacchiere

The Tuscan Carnival Chiacchiere are a variant that celebrates the confectionery tradition of this region. In Tuscany, chiacchiere are also known as "cenci" and are prepared following a similar recipe, but with the addition of typical local ingredients. The use of extra virgin olive oil gives these sweets a unique and authentic flavor. The preparation involves careful processing of the dough, which must be rolled out thinly to achieve that unmistakable crispiness. During the Carnival period, these chiacchiere become a symbol of festivity and conviviality, bringing the genuine taste of Tuscan tradition to the table. Serve them with a good sweet wine for a perfect pairing.

Light Carnival Chiacchiere without sugar

For those who want a lighter version of the classic Carnival Chiacchiere, here is the recipe for Light Carnival Chiacchiere without sugar. This preparation is ideal for those on a diet or for those looking to limit their sugar intake. You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or honey, while still maintaining the sweet taste and citrus aroma of oranges. Additionally, you can opt for baking instead of frying, further reducing the calories. These light chiacchiere are perfect for those who don’t want to give up the pleasure of a sweet treat during Carnival while keeping an eye on health and wellness.

Carnival Chiacchiere: benefits and calories

The Carnival Chiacchiere, although a fried dessert, can offer some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. The "00" flour provides carbohydrates, while the eggs contribute proteins and essential nutrients. Extra virgin olive oil is a source of healthy fats, while oranges enrich the dish with vitamin C and antioxidants. However, it is important to keep in mind that, being a fried dessert, chiacchiere can contain about 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the size and amount of sugar used. Consume them in moderation, especially during the holidays, to enjoy their flavors without overindulging.

Can Carnival Chiacchiere be frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze Carnival Chiacchiere. The answer is yes, it is possible! To freeze them best, make sure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container or food bags. This way, you will maintain their crispness and freshness. When you decide to consume them, you can simply thaw them at room temperature and, if you prefer, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their original crispiness. This trick is particularly useful if you have prepared a large quantity of chiacchiere and want to enjoy them later without having to make them from scratch.