Small talk (literally translated – gossip, pillows) is the equivalent of our faworki, although Italians treat them slightly differently. They should be thin, with ribbed sides resembling ribbons, and after frying, crispy, but not hard.
Originally (i.e. already in ancient Rome) they were known as frictilia. These cookies were distributed to people during the celebration of Saturnalia – the winter festival of abundance. And although the empire fell, they remained and to this day Italians return to it during carnival. However, nowadays these cookies are called chiacchiere and are made with only two ingredients.
In a simplified version, the base is chiacchiere, wheat flour and cream (12 or 18%). No eggs, sugar or alcohol neededwhich we know from . Here, the cream provides fat and tenderness, making it After kneading, the dough is elastic, easy to roll out and does not require long rest.
You need oil for frying and powdered sugar for sprinkling.
Ingredients:
For a portion for several people, prepare:
- 2 cups of medium type wheat flour (preferably 500-550)
- 1 partial glass of liquid cream (12-18%)
Additionally:
- vegetable oil for frying
- powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation step by step:
First, pour the flour into a large bowl and gradually add the cream. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth uniform, elastic and will begin to clearly separate from the walls of the vessel. You can use a mixer with a hook or do it by hand – it is important that the mass is well aerated.
When the dough is smooth, put them on the counter and knead for a few more minutes. Thanks to this, after frying the chiacchiere will be light and not dense. Then divide the dough into smaller parts and roll each of them very thinly. Thickness matters – the thinner the cake, the more delicate the final effect.
Cut the dough into long strips or diamonds. If you want, you can cut the center of each piece and thread one end through the hole – this is a classic form known from faworki.
Frying and finishing
Heat the oil in a wide pot or deep frying pan. It should be hot but not smoking. Add the prepared pieces of dough in portions and fry very briefly, for a few seconds on each side. Chiacchiere should only brown slightly – if they are too dark, they will lose their lightness.
Ready cookies remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel. After cooling slightly, sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Do Italian chiacchiere have a chance to replace them? It will be difficult, especially when we are attached to our native recipe and execution. However, it is worth trying this simplified version to see that the minimalist version also tastes delicious.
