Tuscan chestnut fritters
- Very easy
- 10 min
Savory chestnut fritters from Tuscany? Oh, they are a really really good twist on the traditional sweet treat. And you know what? While most people think of chestnut flour for desserts, this recipe totally flips the script. It combines the sweet, nutty batter with a salty kick from crispy bresaola. This air-dried cured beef—super popular in northern Italy—adds a satisfying crunch. Seriously good, right? It pairs beautifully with the tender, cake-like interior of the fritters.
These chestnut fritters are inspired by the rustic "frittelle di castagne toscane" found in quaint Tuscan villages, but bring a modern flair. Perfect for any gathering. Hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home? Yeah, these fritters will impress your guests for sure. Plus, the dish gets even better with a creamy ricotta spread—enhanced by fresh lemon zest. Can't go wrong.
This combination of savory chestnut recipes is both comforting and a little fancy. The moist texture of the ricotta smooths out the sweetness of the chestnut flour, while the lemon zest adds a tangy brightness. Which is great. People are often surprised at how well these elements work together—the subtle golden sweetness from the batter, the salty bresaola, and the creamy ricotta create such a balanced dish. Perfectly balanced, no question.
You know, chestnut flour recipes often focus on desserts or simple pancakes. But this dish ventures into appetizer territory. Pretty much. Offering a new way to enjoy Italian culinary traditions. Perfect for holidays or casual gatherings. Or just trying something new. These chestnut flour fritters will be a conversation starter, no doubt. Everyone's gonna be curious about the secret ingredient, giving you a chance to share a taste of Tuscany with each crispy bite. They've got that blend of sweet and savory flavors that's just hard to resist.
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To make the delicious chestnut fritters, first prepare the batter: put the chestnut flour in a bowl 1 along with the baking powder 2 and sugar 3.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming 4, then add the egg 5, salt, and pepper. You should end up with a smooth and homogeneous mixture 6.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan to a temperature of 340°F, then pour a spoonful of batter at a time, using 2 spoons to let it slide 7. Fry the fritters for 2 minutes on each side 8, then drain them on paper towels to remove the excess oil 9.
Cut the bresaola into strips about 1/4 inch thick 10. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan, add the bresaola 11, and sauté over high heat for 3-4 minutes 12. Transfer the crispy bresaola to paper towels to absorb the excess oil and set aside.
Now put the ricotta in a bowl, add salt 14, pepper, and the grated lemon zest 15, then mix to combine everything.
You are ready to assemble your appetizer: place a quenelle of ricotta on each fritter using 2 spoons 16, then garnish with the crispy bresaola 17 and finish with a grind of pepper and grated lemon zest. The delicious chestnut fritters are ready to be served 18!