Struffoli, a Christmas Culinary Delights

Naples, the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula are more than just great destinations; they are culinary paradises! From pizza to zeppole and sfogliatelle, from the creamy richness of local cheeses to the aromatic delights of wines and liqueurs like limoncello, many are the local products and dishes worth a try. Among them, one stands out during the Christmas season: struffoli.

A Sweet Taste of History: struffoli

Simply put, struffoli are small balls of fried dough coated in honey and sprinkled with colorful decorations.

Their origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, where similar honey-drenched confections were made. Indeed, it is believed that the dish was introduced to southern Italy during Greek colonization. Over the centuries, Neapolitans refined the recipe, transforming it into a symbol of festive joy; their golden hue and bright, jewel-like decorations symbolize abundance, happiness, and prosperity.

What to expect from Struffoli

Tasting struffoli is an experience that involves all five senses.

When freshly fried, struffoli have a light, golden crispness on the outside. The honey glaze adds a sticky, chewy quality as the balls are coated and clumped together. However, the inside is soft and airy, creating a pleasing contrast.

The most prominent flavor is honey, which often has subtle floral or citrus notes, especially if made with local Amalfi Coast honey. You can also feel a hint of citrus due to the lemon or orange zest that sometimes is added to the dough to balance the sweetness of honey and butter.

You can find more sweetness and a slight tartness in the colorful sprinkles, candied fruits, or nuts used as toppings. In some variations, a splash of anise liqueur or limoncello is added to the dough, imparting a subtle aromatic complexity.

How to Make Struffoli: A Recipe Rooted in Tradition

Did you taste struffoli during a winter trip to the Amalfi Coast and Naples and now you want to prepare them at home? Here’s a simple recipe.

Ingredients for Making your Struffoli:

• For the dough:
  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 50g butter, softened
  • 100g sugar
  • Zest of one lemon or orange
  • A pinch of salt
• For the coating:
  • 300g honey
  • Sprinkles or candied fruits for decoration

How to Prepare Struffoli:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Combine the flour, eggs, sugar, softened butter, lemon or orange zest, and a pinch of salt to create a soft, pliable dough. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
   
2. Shape and Fry:
   Roll the dough into long, thin ropes and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Fry these pieces in hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain them on paper towels.
   
3. Coat in Honey:
   Warm the honey in a large pan until it becomes liquid, then toss the fried dough balls in the honey, ensuring they are fully coated.
   
4. Decorate:
   Arrange the struffoli into a mound or wreath shape on a serving platter, and decorate them with colorful sprinkles, candied fruits, or slivers of almonds.