Lemon Zeppole

Zeppole, or Italian donuts, are a Southern Italian delight. They are especially popular in Naples. It is a particular favorite to enjoy around the beginning of spring, and on March 19, or St., Joseph’s Day or Father’s Day in Italy. Zeppole are deep-fried sweet dough that are traditionally filled with custard, ricotta, or chocolate, and topped with powdered sugar, more custard, and a cherry. There are many different variations and flavors of zeppole made today.

The reason these fried (or baked) treats are enjoyed on St. Joseph’s Day is because it is believed that after St. Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, he started to sell pancakes to provide for his family, therefore, tying sweets and desserts like zeppoles to his name.  Another popular theory is that he was a saint of carpenters and craftsmen, and there was the “Carpenter’s Feast,” where wooden toys were sold for children to enjoy. Once St. Joseph’s Day became Father’s Day in Italy, the roles reversed, and the children gave their father’s a gift. Zeppole, or zeppola, comes from the word zeppa, which is a wood wedge used for adjusting the heights of furniture. Since St. Joseph was a carpenter, this links zeppoles to St. Joseph himself. Zeppole have been around since the days of the Ancient Romans, but they became known as the zeppole we know them as today around the 18th century.

I made these delicious treats without knowing anything about them, until now. I was just flipping through my Mediterranean cookbooks, looking for a delicious and different Mediterranean dessert to make to go with my Mediterranean meal. 🙂 I love doing deep dives into history about foods though. (I love all history really though). I love to learn everything I can about the foods that I cook and enjoy.

Zeppole With Lemon Curd

I made these as large “cakes”, but you can make them any size you like. I also topped mine with lemon curd rather than filling them. They came out oh so good!!!!! They were a big hit for sure. Normally I would have made my own lemon curd, but I already had some that I used instead. I also used yogurt instead of ricotta cheese. Mascarpone cheese would work well too, but mine was frozen, so yogurt it was.

1 1/2 cups flour

1 TBSP + 1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 TBSP sugar

2 eggs

2 cups either ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese or plain yogurt

1 cup milk

2 tsp orange zest

1 tsp vanilla

canola oil for frying

powdered sugar

lemon curd

Combine all the dry ingredients together.

Beat the eggs and sugar. Add the cheese or yogurt, milk and vanilla and mix well. Then mix in the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before frying.

When ready to fry, add about 2 inches of canola, or other high fat oil, into a deep pot and bring to about 350*F or 180*C.

Carefully spoon the batter into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully flip them over if necessary to brown equally.

Place them on a paper towel when removing from the oil to absorb the excess oil. Allow them to cool completely before adding a dusting of powdered sugar and the lemon curd (or chocolate, or filling of your choice). If you want to, you can insert the lemon curd into the donuts after they have completely cooled too.

These zeppoles are so light and crispy and they just melt in your mouth. The lemon just really made them pop too. I don’t eat a lot of donuts, but these are definitely a winner. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.