Learn to make Frittelle di Riso di San Giuseppe, a traditional Italian treat for Father’s Day.

Frittelle di Riso di San Giuseppe

Golden, aromatic, and irresistibly soft: Frittelle di Riso di San Giuseppe are one of the most beloved traditional Italian desserts dedicated to Father’s Day on March 19th. Especially popular in Tuscany, Umbria, and parts of Lazio, these delicious fried balls embody the simplicity of old-world cooking: rice cooked in milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest, which gives an intense and unmistakable aroma.

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, rice fritters have been made for centuries in honor of St. Joseph, rooted in a medieval tradition that still enlivens bakeries, festivals, and family kitchens today. Once considered a humble festive dessert made with simple, readily available ingredients, St. Joseph was affectionately known as “San Giuseppe frittellaro.”

Alongside the famous Neapolitan zeppole, Frittelle di Riso di San Giuseppe are now a symbol of this occasion: perfect to enjoy hot and freshly fried, covered in granulated sugar. An easy and delicious recipe that brings the flavor of festivities to the table, filled with family memories and the scent of freshly made sweets.

Here are more delicious recipes to celebrate Father’s Day:

• Zeppole di San Giuseppe al forno
• Zeppole di San Giuseppe fritte
• Zeppole in friggitrice ad aria
• Zeppole al cacao al forno
• Zeppolona al caffè
• Sfinci di San Giuseppe
• Raviole emiliane

Ingredients

• 1 liter of milk
• 300g of rice
• 150g of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 vanilla bean
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Granulated sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and add the rice, cooking until it’s soft and the milk is absorbed.
2. Stir in sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Once cooled, add the eggs and mix thoroughly.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the rice mixture, frying until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and dust with granulated sugar before serving.

Total Time: 1 hour

Cuisine: Italian