Indulge in the delectable world of Croatian cuisine with Fritule, the delightful little fritters that hail from the Adriatic coast. These small, fluffy balls of dough, often compared to mini-doughnuts, are a beloved traditional treat enjoyed during festive occasions and holidays in Croatia. Prepared by mixing flour, eggs, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest, these fritters are then deep-fried to golden perfection. What sets Fritule apart is their versatility; they can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or infused with various flavorings such as raisins, rum, or even citrus peel. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or served as a delightful dessert, Croatian Fritule are sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of the Adriatic.

Here's a recipe for Croatian Fritule:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.

2- Add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, and mix until it forms a thick batter.

3- Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to mix, until the batter reaches a smooth consistency.

4- Stir in the lemon zest and raisins (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

6- Using a small spoon or scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

7- Fry the fritule for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

8- Remove the fritule from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9- Allow the fritule to cool slightly before dusting them generously with powdered sugar.

10- Serve the fritule warm as a delightful dessert or snack, and enjoy the heavenly flavors of Croatia in each bite!

Note: Be cautious while frying the fritule, as the oil will be hot. It's important to maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can customize the flavor of the fritule by adding other ingredients such as rum or citrus peel according to your preference.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Croatian Fritule recipe:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy, as well as some protein and fiber for satiety and digestive health.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 372 mg

benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (such as vitamin A, D, E, and B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and zinc).

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 387 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits: Provides a quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high glycemic index and lack of other nutrients.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat

benefits: Helps the fritule to rise and become fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide gas when heated, resulting in a lighter texture.

Milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg

benefits: Rich in calcium for bone health, protein for muscle growth and repair, and vitamins (such as vitamin D and B vitamins) for overall health.

Lemon Zest (Zest of 1 lemon):

• Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat

benefits: Adds flavor and aroma to the fritule, and may provide a small amount of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Raisins (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 108 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 25 g

benefits: Adds natural sweetness, texture, and flavor to the fritule, and provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and iron.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon (varies based on type of oil)

benefits: Provides fat for energy and helps to fry the fritule, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Powdered Sugar (for dusting):

• Calories: Approximately 30 kcal per tablespoon (varies based on amount used)

benefits: Adds sweetness and visual appeal to the fritule, but should be used sparingly due to its high sugar content.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional information provided is based on standard USDA databases and may not account for variations in ingredients or preparation methods.