Sfingi (also known as sfinci or sfince) are the original Italian doughnuts, especially in Sicily. They are balls of fried dough, usually sweetened with powdered sugar.
If you’re a foodie or somewhat familiar with Italian cuisine, you may be thinking, “But I thought Italian doughnuts were called zeppole!” and well, you’d be right. However, zeppole isn’t the only Italian donut in the neighborhood.
How do you pronounce sfingi?
These Sicilian doughnuts are pronounced SFEEN-gee, which rhymes with “green tea”.
The single version is called sfincia and is pronounced SFEEN-cha.
Sfingi vs. Zeppole
Although they are generally little known internationally, sfingi appears before zeppole.
According to third-generation Italian bakers, the traditional sfingi has a ricotta filling, while the zeppole has a custard. Sfincia di San Giuseppe is a variation covered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit. Apparently, zeppole is a substitute made for those who do not like the ricotta filling of sfingi.
Sfincia sfince sfinci di San Giuseppe
sfincia di San Giuseppe
It’s hard to tell them apart when there are no fillings or toppings, just balls of fried dough with sugar. Depending on where you are in Italy, their names are almost interchangeable. Sicilians tend to call these balls of fried dough sfingi, while Napoletani calls them zeppole.
zeppole Italian doughnut hole
Zippole
Both types of Italian doughnuts are traditionally enjoyed in Italy on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day.
Where can I buy Sicilian doughnuts?
You may not find sfingi on the dessert menu of your local Italian restaurant, but you have a better chance of finding them at an authentic Italian bakery. Check out this map to find where you can buy these Sicilian doughnuts.
