Grandma’s rice fritters are one of the most beloved Carnival desserts: soft inside, golden outside, and covered in fragrant sugar.
This is the original recipe from my aunt, of Tuscan origin, who made them every year, filling the house with aromas and memories. Today, every time I remake them, besides being delicious, they bring me back to those simple and happy moments.
They are made with few ingredients and remain soft and delightful, perfect for a special breakfast or an irresistible Carnival snack
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 14 fritters
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Carnival, Saint Joseph
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 4.4 oz rice
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsps sugar
- 1 egg
- 3.5 oz flour 00
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1/2 shot glass Sambuca
- sugar (for surface)
Tools
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Frying Pan
📸 PROCEDURE
1. Cook the rice in milk
Pour the milk into a pot with a pinch of salt and place on the heat. Add the rice and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally.2. Add the sugar
Halfway through cooking, add two tablespoons of sugar and continue cooking until the rice has absorbed the milk and is soft and creamy.
3. Let it cool
Let it cool completely. You can also prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge.4. Prepare the dough
Once cooled, add the egg, Sambuca, flour, and baking powder. Mix well until you get a soft yet workable dough with two spoons.5. Fry the fritters
Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan. When it’s hot, scoop the dough with two spoons, forming small mounds, and fry them a few at a time6. Brown and drain
Let the fritters cook, turning them often until they are golden on all sides. Drain them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil7. Roll them in sugar
When they’re still warm, roll them in granulated sugar and serve immediately, soft and fragrant
📝 FINAL NOTES
Grandma’s rice fritters remain soft and fragrant even after a few hours, but they’re truly irresistible when freshly made.
You can flavor them with lemon or orange zest for a more intense aroma or replace Sambuca with another sweet liqueur of your choice.
Perfect for Carnival, Saint Joseph, breakfast, or snack, you can’t stop at just one!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the rice in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended. You can cook it the day before and let it cool completely: this way, the dough will be perfect
Why are the fritters soft inside?
The cooking of the rice in milk and the dough consistency make these rice fritters soft and creamy inside and crispy outside
