We're sorry, there seems to be an issue playing this video. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment.If you continue to have issues, please contact us here.
Dissolve the 3 packets of yeast in 2 cups of warm water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
Place flour and salt in large deep bowl. Add yeast mixture. The best way to mix this recipe is with your hands. Gradually add water while mixing until it resembles a loose doughy consistency, not too thick and not too watery. You may not have to use all the water. Make sure all the flour is combined. Transfer dough to a larger bowl. Cover with 2 medium size towels and put the bowl in a warm place for 2 hours to rest. After 2 hours, you will see that the dough has tripled in size and is ready for frying.
Place 2 quarts of oil in deep pot (4 or 6 quart size). Heat oil until very hot. (Grandma did not use a thermometer. She knew the oil was ready by dropping a small amount of dough into the pot).
You can use a large serving spoon, but we still use our hands, drop golf-ball size piece of dough into hot oil. Fry 1 side for a minute until golden brown. Turn over and fry for another minute. Drain in a large colander (Italians call it the scolapasta).
Transfer drained zeppoli to large platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. When half the dough is used, combine the raisins with the remaining dough. Repeat the frying process until all the dough is used.
Place the warm zeppolis on large serving platter. Serve with powered sugar.
Tools You May Need
A viewer or guest of the show, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. It has not been tested for home use.
Tools You May Need
Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off
these links.
By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use
and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Food Network and
its affiliates
may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.
To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the
Privacy Policy.