Donzelle

I have found this traditional recipe from TUSCANY online, I have tried and loved it!

INGREDIENTS

• 500g of 00 flour
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 25g of fresh yeast
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 300ml of water
• oil, for frying
• fleur de sel

METHOD

Place the flour into the bowl of a food mixer. Add the salt and sugar on one side of the bowl and crumble the yeast on the other side

Add the olive oil and mix on a low setting using a dough hook. Slowly add the water until the mixture comes together. Continue to mix for a further 5 minutes

Alternatively, place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, bring together with your hands and knead for about 10 minutes

Shape the dough into a ball (you may need to grease your hands with olive oil as it will be quite sticky) and grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and leave to rise until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours

When the dough has risen, knock the air out of it then form it into a ball. Sprinkle some flour over the top, cover with a tea towel and leave to rise again for about 30 minutes

Place the dough on a floured board and roll out until about 0.5cm thick. Using a pastry wheel, cut into rectangles about 5cm by 2.5cm

Preheat the oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 180C

Carefully drop the donzelle into the fryer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Sprinkle with a little fleur de sel

Serve warm with Italian cheese and salami, and perhaps a nice glass of Chianti or other Tuscan wine