Delicious Anchovy Ricotta Balls
Are you looking for a show-stopping appetizer to impress your guests with bold flavors and an inviting texture? Get ready to learn how to create these flavorful little gems that are perfect for starting a meal off on the right foot. Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to make this traditional yet timeless dish.
I still remember the first time I tasted these savory delights: it was a chilly winter evening, and the intense aroma of anchovy mixed with the warmth of the kitchen. Since then, every bite has been a plunge into that warm and familiar memory. But let’s not get too carried away by nostalgia; let’s focus on the practical details.
We’re talking about delicious anchovy ricotta balls, small golden balls with a soft and flavorful heart thanks to the combination of ricotta and anchovy paste. Their outer crust hides a creamy surprise that will win over even the most discerning palates. By carefully following the instructions provided above, you can bring something special to the table without too much effort.
And if you want to add that “something extra,” try the suggested twist: a few seeds can make all the difference! Also, don’t forget that the calories are just indicative; what really matters is savoring every single bite!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Easy to make with just a few common ingredients.
- BOLD FLAVORS: The creamy filling of ricotta and anchovies gives it a strong taste.
- PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes for the dough and filling.
- COOKING TIME: 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F).
- NUTRITION: Around 300 calories per serving, perfect as an appetizer.
Notes on the recipe’s ingredients
- Salt: regulates the dough’s flavor
- Butter: adds softness and flavor
- Flour: the base for the dough of the cream puffs
- Eggs: provide consistency and bind the dough
- Ricotta Cheese: the main ingredient of the creamy filling
- Anchovy Paste: adds intense flavor to the filling
Nutritional Aspects
These Anchovy Ricotta Puffs are a flavorful appetizer with a good balance of nutrients.
- Moderate calorie intake: about 300 calories per serving.
- They contain high-quality proteins from the ricotta and anchovies.
- Provide complex carbohydrates from the flour for long-lasting energy.
- Eggs supply essential vitamins and minerals.
- Rich in healthy fats, especially omega-3 from the anchovies.
- You can add extra fiber and nutrients with sesame or poppy seeds.
Recipe for Anchovy Profiteroles
Instructions
- Bring a scant quarter of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and 50 g of butter in a saucepan.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and vigorously stir in all the flour at once to prevent lumps from forming.
- Return the container to the heat and continue stirring until the dough comes away from the sides of the saucepan, forming a smooth ball.
- Remove from the heat and add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is completely absorbed before adding the next.
- Transfer the dough to a pastry bag with a smooth tip and form walnut-sized mounds on a buttered baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes or until the bignets are golden and puffed.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by working the ricotta with the anchovy paste until obtaining a creamy and homogeneous mixture.
- Once baked, let the bignets cool slightly and then fill them with the ricotta and anchovy mixture using a pastry syringe or a teaspoon.
Notes
Variations of the Anchovy-Stuffed Bignole Recipe
Customize the recipe with these deliciously creative variations:
- Add fresh herbs to the ricotta and anchovy filling
- Swap out the ricotta for creamy cheese for a bolder flavor
- Try filling the bignoles with a tomato and basil sauce for a Mediterranean touch
- Sprinkle ground black pepper into the dough for a spicy kick
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
If you have any questions about making anchovy-stuffed doughnuts, take a look below!
How can I make the filling creamier?
To achieve a creamier filling, make sure to thoroughly blend the ricotta with the anchovy paste until it reaches a smooth and homogeneous consistency.
How can I put a different spin on the recipe?
You can experiment with various options to add a crunchy twist to the doughnuts, such as sprinkling them with sesame or poppy seeds, or incorporating aromatic herbs into the dough.
How can I calculate the calories if I make changes to the recipe?
If you make modifications to the original recipe, it’s advisable to recalculate the calories based on the ingredients and quantities used. Remember that variations can affect the final calorie count of the dish.
