Sweet Fried Ricotta

By bakers_delight85

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. superfine or granulated sugar
• 1 generous tsp. grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp. self-rising flour or 3 Tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 tsp. baking powder and a pinch of salt
• Peanut oil or other vegetable oil for deep-frying
• Confectioners’ sugar or honey

Preparation

Step 1

Mix the ricotta, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the flour, a few teaspoons at a time, stirring to make a stiff dough.
Pour 2 inches of oil into a heavy high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 365 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place it near the stove.
Form the dough into Tbsp.-size nuggets and fry them, a handful at a time, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on the paper towels. Dust the hot fritters with confectioners’ sugar or drizzle honey over them and serve immediately.