ITALIAN RICE FRITTERS

Dessert - Vegetarian - Can be gluten free (READ notes at bottom)

Another kind of fritter, usually prepared during carnival time; this is a recipe I received form an Italian friend and that I review a little bit ;-)

1 Carnaroli rice
2 cups milk
1 orange, grated zest and juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Italian 00 flour (approximate quantity)
1 lemon, grated zest
1 egg
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp salt
Italian extra virgin olive oil to fry

In a saucepan pour milk and bring to a boil; add salt and rice and cook for 20 minutes at least (liquid should be almost completely absorbed). Set aside to cool.

Once it is at room temperature, add sugar, both grated zests, the squeezed orange juice, the egg and the ricotta cheese, then add flour until you obtain a dense batter; if too dry, add a few tbsp of milk.

Place a deep skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

When the oil is ready, start frying: spoon the mixture into the oil and fry until golden on both sides. Line on paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serve cold or slightly warm, sprinkled with sugar (regular or confectioner's).

- When frying, don't put too much batter in the oil, or it will cool down too much. It's better to fry 5-6 fritters at a time.
- The amount of fritters this recipe will make, depends on how big you'r making them.
- This recipe can be gluten free (use corn or potato starch or rice flour) but can't be lactose free. It is vegetarian.