Savory Rosemary Castagnole

Savory rosemary castagnole are a tasty variant of the traditional Carnival sweet. They are delicious and aromatic, perfect as an appetizer or to accompany an aperitif.

Ingredients

• 250g of all-purpose flour
• 50g of butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 80g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet of instant yeast for savory preparations
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste (optional)
• Frying oil as needed

Preparation

1. Start by finely chopping the rosemary leaves after washing and drying them.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour with the yeast, chopped rosemary, a pinch of salt, and pepper (if using).
3. Add the eggs and the soft butter at room temperature. Work the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and knead until the cheese is well distributed in the dough.
5. Take small portions of dough and form balls the size of a walnut.
6. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and once it has reached the right temperature (about 170-180 °C), fry the balls of dough until they are golden brown and puffy.
7. Drain the castagnole on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
8. Optional: you may sprinkle the castagnole with a bit of fine salt or a mix of herbs to make them even more aromatic.

These castagnole are a tasty innovation in the panorama of Carnival recipes: rosemary gives a unique fragrance and flavor, while the Parmesan adds a savory note that perfectly complements the aromaticity of the herbs.

Curiosity

In the sweet version, castagnole are often flavored with citrus zest or liqueurs and sprinkled with sugar. This savory version is a perfect reinterpretation for those looking for something different from the usual and can be customized by adding other aromatic herbs or spices to taste.