Pisci d'Ovu
These traditional Sicilian egg-shaped pastries feature a delicate, crisp shell and a sweet, citrus-infused filling. They are often enjoyed during festive occasions. The dough is made simply with flour and eggs, then fried and coated in honey.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 355 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs and gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
dough
- 250 gall-purpose flour
- 3 pcsegg, large
- 1 tsplemon zest
- 0.25 tspsalt
frying
- 500 mlvegetable oil
glaze
- 150 ghoney
- 2 tbspwater
Equipment
deep pan · paper towels · slotted spoon · rolling pin · large bowl · small saucepan · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, eggs, lemon zest, and salt.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the lemon zest is finely grated to distribute the flavor evenly.
- 2
Mix the ingredients well until a soft, pliable dough forms.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: If the dough is too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour; if too dry, add a few drops of water.
- 3
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Kneading develops the gluten, making the dough elastic and easier to work with.
- 4
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 2-3mm thick.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Use a rolling pin and lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- 5
Cut the dough into small ovals, roughly the size and shape of an egg.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: You can use a small cookie cutter or a knife to shape them.
- 6
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches about 170°C (340°F).
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy to ensure even cooking.
- 7
Carefully fry the shaped dough pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pastries.
- 8
Remove the fried pastries with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
- 9
In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey and water over low heat until the honey is liquid and well combined with the water.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Do not boil the honey mixture, just warm it enough to make it pourable.
- 10
Dip each fried pastry into the warm honey glaze, ensuring it is fully coated.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: You can also drizzle the honey over the pastries if you prefer a lighter coating.
- 11
Serve immediately or allow them to cool completely.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 355.2kcal
- Protein
- 7.5g
- Carbs
- 52.6g
- Fat
- 13.2g
- Fibre
- 1.3g
- Sugar
- 20.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Pisci d'Ovu in an airtight container at room temperature.