Discover how to make Panzarotti, the ultimate crispy fried dough balls stuffed with a variety of delectable fillings like gooey cheese, savory ham, and rich tomato sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfect results every time, making these Italian delights ideal for snacks, appetizers, or party treats. Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve golden-brown perfection and impress your family and friends with this classic comfort food.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

 - 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)

 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - 1 tablespoon sugar

 - 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

 - ½ cup diced ham

 - ½ cup tomato sauce (or marinara)

 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 - 1 teaspoon dried basil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying:

 - Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

 - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

 - In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

 - Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

 - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

 - In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, diced ham, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Panzarotti:

 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

 - Roll each piece into a small circle about 4 inches in diameter.

 - Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each dough circle.

 - Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.

Fry the Panzarotti:

 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

 - Carefully slide a few panzarotti into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

 - Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried panzarotti to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your homemade panzarotti warm, with extra tomato sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Nutritional Values:

All-Purpose Flour (per 1 cup, 120g):

- Calories: 455

- Protein: 13g

- Carbohydrates: 95g

- Fiber: 3g

- Fat: 1g

- Iron: 4.5mg (25% DV)

Benefits:

- Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

- Contains iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood.

Active Dry Yeast (per 1 packet, 7g):

- Calories: 21

- Protein: 2g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- B-Vitamins: Significant amounts of B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9.

Benefits:

- Provides B-vitamins that support metabolism and energy production.

- Aids in dough rising, giving a light and airy texture to baked goods.

Olive Oil (per 1 tablespoon, 14g):

- Calories: 119

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 14g (of which 2g are saturated fat)

- Vitamin E: 1.9mg (13% DV)

Benefits:

- Contains monounsaturated fats that are heart-healthy.

- Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage.

Mozzarella Cheese (per 1 ounce, 28g):

- Calories: 85

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 6g (of which 4g are saturated fat)

- Calcium: 183mg (18% DV)

Benefits:

- Good source of protein and calcium for bone health.

- Provides essential vitamins like vitamin A and B12.

Ham (per 2 ounces, 56g):

- Calories: 60

- Protein: 9g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 2g (of which 1g is saturated fat)

- Sodium: 700mg (30% DV)

Benefits:

- High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

- Contains B-vitamins like B6 and B12.

Tomato Sauce (per ½ cup, 120g):

- Calories: 70

- Protein: 2g

- Carbohydrates: 14g

- Fiber: 2g

- Fat: 1g

- Vitamin C: 20mg (33% DV)

Benefits:

- High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

- Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Vegetable Oil (per 1 tablespoon, 14g):

- Calories: 120

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 14g (of which 1g is saturated fat)

Benefits:

- Provides essential fatty acids for energy.

- Helps achieve a crispy texture when frying.

Panzarotti is a flavorful and indulgent treat with various nutrients from its ingredients. While it provides energy through carbohydrates and fats, it also offers beneficial vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, calcium, and antioxidants. For a balanced diet, enjoy Panzarotti as an occasional treat within a well-rounded meal plan.