Struffoli ai frutti rossi

Struffoli are a traditional Neapolitan dessert that is especially prepared during the Christmas holidays. The red berry variant adds a fresh and colorful touch to this classic. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 400 g of type 00 flour
• 3 eggs
• 50 g of sugar
• 50 g of soft butter
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• A pinch of salt
• 1 small glass of limoncello or anise (optional)
• Seed oil for frying
• Honey (about 300 g)
• Fresh red berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants) or alternatively a red berry jam
• Colored sprinkles or sugar decorations for garnishing
• A small glass of liquor (choice of Alchermes or another red liquor) for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, make a well in the flour and add in the center the eggs, sugar, butter, lemon zest, salt, and, if desired, the liquor. Knead well until obtaining a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
2. Take the dough and work it forming thin cylinders. Cut the cylinders into small pieces to obtain balls the size of a hazelnut.
3. In a large pan, heat a generous amount of seed oil and fry the dough balls until golden. Make sure to turn them for even cooking.
4. Drain the struffoli on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. In a wide pan, heat the honey until it becomes liquid. Then add the fried struffoli and mix gently to cover them completely.
6. Place the struffoli on a serving plate creating a ring shape or as you prefer.
7. Distribute the fresh red berries, well washed and dried, on top of the struffoli. If you prefer, you could mix some red berry jam in the warm honey before adding the struffoli.
8. If desired, you can sprinkle some red liquor on top to add an additional aroma.
9. Finally, decorate with colorful sprinkles or sugar decorations.

Trivia

Struffoli are traditionally stacked to form a “mountain” or a ring and are a symbol of abundance and luck. Some people also add candied fruits or chocolate to the decoration. With the addition of red berries, the recipe is enriched with tart notes that balance the sweetness of the honey, creating a pleasant contrast of flavors.