Home Made Ricotta Cream Turnovers
( Ravioli con Crema di Ricotta - Cassateddi Fritti o ‘Nfurnati )
These delicious ricotta cream turnovers are another spin-off of the breast of virgin, the Minni ri Virgini , originally baked or fried around March 20, when the spring equinox occurs and the spring season begins.
In the province of Trapani and of Syracuse, the Cassateddi are now made for Carnevale, the feast which occurs before Lent and also for the Christmas Season. Those delicious pastries baked or fried are well-liked and are now prepared all year around. The original recipe made with bread dough and stuffed with ricotta, honey and spices, has been slightly changed and updated to include some fat, alcohol and eggs, giving to the Cassateddi the present characteristics of lightness and a distinctive taste very pleasant to the palate.
There are many variations of this original recipe: in other places in Sicily the Cassateddi are filled with vanilla or chocolate custard or with preserved fruits, but no one can equal the savory filling made with the ricotta made in Trapani from sheep’s milk or the particular taste of the Cassateddi made in Syracuse where honey is used instead of sugar.
The ricotta available in our markets is not as dry as the Sicilian ricotta. But the problem can be solved by adding to the American ricotta some sponge cake crumbs or crushed cookies.
- Yield12 Home made Cassateddi
- Sicilian DessertsHome Made Ricotta Cream Turnovers
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of honey
- 4 oz. butter or 6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 shots of cognac or vodka or ¼ cup of Marsala wine
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- small pinch of salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- water and extra flour if needed
For the Filling
- 2 lb. ricotta
- 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz.)
- 4 oz. chocolate chips
- 4 oz. Zuccata (see recipe for this diced preserved fruit)
- pinch of vanilla powder
- 1 drop cinnamon oil
- zest of 1 orange or 1 drop of orange extract
- small pinch of salt
For Cooking
- canola or corn oil – for the fried Cassteddi
- 2 eggs beaten with 4 tablespoons of milk for the egg-wash, for the baked Cassateddi.
Instructions
THE DOUGH
Mix all ingredients to make dough and knead for 4-5 minutes. Dough should be smooth and more consistent of bread or pizza dough. Add some water if the dough is too hard to knead or some flour if needed. Cover and rest dough for 20 to 30 minutes. Divide the dough in 4 pieces, and divide each piece into 6 pieces, shape into balls.
THE FILLING
Mix all the ingredients to make filling. Filling should be of a nice consistency. If filling is too watery add some crumbs made of sponge cake or cookies.
THE CASSATEDDI
Roll each piece of dough with a rolling pin to 1/8 inch, giving an elliptical shape. In the center of each piece, place 1 teaspoon of filling, and pull over the stuffed dough the long way, in the shape of a half moon, press down on the borders, making sure they are properly sealed to avoid the filling from leaking. Place them in a greased baking sheet. When you have prepared all the cassatelle proceed with the cooking.
OPTION: FRIED HOME MADE CASSATEDDI
Over a medium heat, deep fry the cassatelle and turn until golden on both sides. Transfer to a dish covered with paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with granulated sugar or honey and serve hot or cold.
OPTION: BAKED HOME MADE CASSATEDDI
Egg wash the Cassateddi and bake at 375F for approximately 15 minutes until golden in color. Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or honey, serve hot or cold.