Gnocco fritto - Fried bread

Gnocco fritto

These super tasty morsels come from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy and are eaten as an alternative to bread. They are easy to make and very moreish! Serve with cold meats like prosciutto, cheese and olives for an authentic Italian starter Ingredients for 4 people:

1. 250 g plain flour

2. 4 g fresh yeast or a teaspoon of dried yeast

3. 100 ml water

4. 40 g lard

5. Half a teaspoon of sugar

6. Half a teaspoon of salt

7. Oil for frying

Method:

1. Prepare your ingredients. Put 50 g of the flour in a bowl, set the rest a side.

2. Add the yeast to the flour.

3. Add about half the water, just enough to make a paste, set the rest of the water a side.

4. Mix the flour, yeast and water with a spoon until you get a smooth paste. Cover with cling film and leave to prove in a warm place for about an hour. It should rise and have bubbles.

5. Then add the rest of the flour, salt, sugar and knead well to form a dough.

6. Gradually knead in the lard and continue kneading until the dough is homogeneous.

7. Make a cross in the dough with a knife. Cover with cling film and leave to prove for another 2 hours.

8. Knead the dough well again and turn onto a floured surface.

9. Roll out into a rectangle. Cut into strips and then diamond shapes.

10. Heat oil in a pan. Deep fry in batches for about 2-3 mins until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper.

11. Serve immediately with prosciutto, cheese and olives for a delicious starter. Don't forget the wine!