Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir in eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky. Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil a few at a time. Zeppole will turn over by themselves.
Zeppole are deep-fried doughnuts that can be served as sweet desserts, as shown here, or savory appetizers. This family recipe calls for frying in vegetable oil, but for a more traditional preparation, you can use olive oil. Look for 00 flour, which is finely ground Italian wheat flour, at online baking or Italian specialty stores.
Zeppole are delicious fried cookies made with ricotta cheese. These are also known as Italian doughnuts. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir in eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky.
Similar to the Austrian ‘krapfen,’ but with a hole in the center, Neapolitan fried zeppole can be enjoyed all year round, although Carnevale is one of the most popular times to try them. Here is our recipe for zeppole with soft potatoes.