Gnocco Fritto, Fried Bread from my village in Italy

Gnocco fritto is a fried bread they make in Emilia Romagna. The gnocco fritto form my village is particularly nice, sometimes I think that this is because it is high in the mountains, and the water is better... but on the other hand it could just be that my memory of it is better.

My husband feel in love with gnocco fritto the first time he visited my village, and my kids love it too (of course, it is utterly delicious!!!): if it was for them we would have it every week! Instead I try to limit fried food, and so I just make it 3-4 times per year. For the dough I just use my pizza dough recipe (but I don't really check on quantities). I just use flour, water, salt and yeast. Let the dough rise for a couple of hours before rolling it out.

Roll out the dough

I like the round gnocco fritto, so I cut it with a bowl (and the centre with a smaller bowl).

I used rice bran oil for frying.

Then I fry the centre holes, the kids love them!!!

The rest I cut into squares.

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini and Aranxta Zecchini Dowling©