Pastella Fritta Sammarinese
A delightful sweet and savory fried batter, often enjoyed as a street food or appetizer in San Marino. It features a light, airy batter that's fried until golden and crispy, sometimes dusted with sugar or served with savory dips.

๐ง Ingredients
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 150 ml Milk
- 50 ml Water
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 500 ml Vegetable oil for frying
- 50 g Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
๐ก Tip: Ensuring dry ingredients are well combined prevents lumps. - 2
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and water until well combined.
๐ก Tip: Using room temperature liquids helps create a smoother batter. - 3
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. It should have the consistency of thin pancake batter.
- 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat to about 180ยฐC (350ยฐF).
๐ก Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for even frying. - 5
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
๐ก Tip: Small spoonfuls will result in crispier fritters. - 6
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to turn them.
๐ก Tip: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. - 7
Remove the fried pastella with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
๐ก Tip: Draining well prevents greasiness. - 8
If desired, dust with powdered sugar while still warm. Serve immediately.
๐ก Tip: For a savory version, omit the sugar and serve with a garlic aioli or a light tomato sauce.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe batter should be relatively thin; if it's too thick, the fritters will be doughy.
- โEnsure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the pastella will absorb too much oil.
- โThese are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped herbs like rosemary or sage to the batter for a savory twist.
- Incorporate a small amount of grated cheese (like Pecorino) into the batter for a cheesy version.