Le frittelle di Piazza del Campo : Le mie Madeleine  – After many years abroad, one tends to forget some important dates, some anniversaries…But as soon as I saw , the brown wooden kiosk ( il chiosco) for “frittelle di riso” ( rice fried balls) in its strategic location at the corner of  the square ( all’angolo della piazza) , all memories powerfully came back ! Scent of sugar and orange in the air…Spring is  definitely approaching! Profumo di zucchero ed arancia nell’aria…la primavera sta davvero avvicinandosi!

I am a great expert in” food tasting” – assaggi – I would call myself a true professional , so you can trust me when I say that, after tasting many different “ frittelle”, I positively can say these one are really unique (sono davvero uniche)!

La storia della tradizione – Story and tradition

The recipe in Siena dates back to the beginning of 1900 and started in a little carpenters workshop ( la bottega di falegnami) in Piaggia San Giuseppe.  According to tradition they were called “ le frittelle di San Giuseppe” as they were prepared and shared among friends and families on March 19^th, San Giuseppe day, later also called Father’s Day.

I do not know when exactly form the carpenters place the “frittellai” ( fried ball makers) moved to the kiosk in the” city’s leaving room “ ( il salotto della città ) , Piazza del Campo.  However, surely now,  the temporary Savelli’s family kiosk is the star of street food!

In Piazza del Campo, Siena

Usually open form February 1^st until March 20^th, I was taken by surprise this year when I saw “le frittelle” already in full operation already on January !  Guided by the unmistakable sugary scent and the long  people queue  ( la coda, almost a neat row for the special occasion!) I couldn’t resist and left with my crispy hot paper bag full of childhood memories ( ricordi di infanzia). Le frittelle di riso are my “Madeleine” ( Proust will forgive me)

It seems that the secret is in  leaving the mix to rest for a week before frying it. The result is irresistible ( irresistibile)

While searching for the recipe- ricetta ( out of pure curiosity , as I already know I won’t ever try to make them!), I have found what I think is the good one.   For those of you who are not as lucky as me  ( I can go for a stroll up to Piazza del Campo and easily add one Kilo or 2 in a single afternoon ) here it is! If you try it, please let me know ! Fatemi sapere!

The only thing I ask you in exchange is a bit of work with you dictionary!…I am giving you the recipe in Italian so…Good Luck and write me if you have questions!  ( on the Italian bit, not the recipe 😉 )

Ricetta delle frittelle in Italiano

Ingredienti: 500 gr di riso/olio extravergine di olive/ 300 gr di farina/scorza di un arancio/100 gr zuccherro vanigliato a velo/ sale

Bollire il riso in acqua salata per 1 ora e 20 minuti.

Lasciare l ‘impasto a riposare per una settimana in un recipiente coperto

Dopo l’attesa, togliere la crosta che si è formata in superficie, aggiungere farina , scorza di arancia grattata e amalgamare fino ad avere un crema.

Quando l’olio è bollente, versare cucchiaini dell’impasto . Pronte!