All about zeppole di San Giuseppe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the significance of the zeppole? ›

Joseph and zeppole. One theory traces back to the biblical story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt. It's said that during this time, Joseph sold sweet pancakes to support his family, creating an association between his name and sweets – like zeppole.

The classic zeppola of Saint Joseph, as we know it, was born as a conventual sweet, but here too there are still many doubts: some speak of the convent of San Gregorio Armeno, some of that of Saint Patrizia, who attributes its manufacture to the nuns of the Cross of Lucca and those to those of Splendor.

: a doughnut made from cream puff dough.

But these are not true to the territory. Zeppole are, and while you can get them just about anywhere in Italy these days, their true home is anywhere south of Rome (where they are called Bignè di San Giuseppe), southern Lazio (where they are sfinge), but particularly in Salerno.

In Catholic tradition, San Giuseppe was known as Jesus's earthly father figure. In the bible, he is described as a good husband and father, which is why Father's Day in Italy coincides with the Festa di San Giuseppe – The Feast of St. Joseph. These two celebrations coming together, make for a day full of festivities!

Zeppole are traditionally consumed during the Festa di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph's Day), celebrated every March 19, when zeppole are sold on many streets and sometimes presented as gifts.

One of the theories claims that after St. Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, he started to sell pancakes to provide for his family, therefore, tying sweets and desserts like zeppoles to his name.

They're made from a yeast dough that is deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Meanwhile, a Zeppole is an Italian pastry that is made from choux pastry dough, deep-fried, and often stuffed with a sweet filling and dusted with powdered sugar.

Zeppole are so easy to make—after all, they are basically just fried pizza dough balls—it is almost embarrassing to post about it, but since it was one of my favorite snack foods that Angelina made, it deserves pride of place on this blog.

Those are the two traditional pastries Italians have to celebrate St. Joseph's Day, which is also Father's Day in Italy. The Sfingi is from Sicily and is filled with cannoli cream. The Zeppole is from Naples and is filled with a custard.

What are some fun facts about zeppole? ›

They might have originated in Ancient Rome, in the guise of fritters, decorated with sugar or cinnamon. The present-day zeppola was created in the eighteenth century and is filled with choux cream (or chocolate), decorated with confectioners' sugar and preserved sour cherries.

Joseph's Day staples include eggplant Caponata, excellent for dipping with Italian bread, as well as Pasta con Sarde, Egg frittas, bean dishes, olives, fried smelts and especially lentils.

The main difference between a beignet and a zeppole is the dough as well as the shape. Zeppoles are looser than beignets, and the dough tends to be stickier. They're also made by drop spooning them into oil, whereas beignets have a very distinct square or rectangle shape.

One of the most popular traditions of St Joseph Day is to set the Tavola di San Giuseppe, or the Table of Saint Joseph. It is customary to set the table on the evening of March 18 with pasta, vegetables, fresh fish, eggs, pastries, fruit and wine, and to invite the poor into your home to eat.

The feast of St. Joseph (Den Svatého Josefa) is celebrated annually on March 19th in honor of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father figure of Jesus. This holiday takes place during Lent, a time of fasting, and the holiday is traditionally a meatless feast in Europe.

Joseph's Day staples include eggplant Caponata, excellent for dipping with Italian bread, as well as Pasta con Sarde, Egg frittas, bean dishes, olives, fried smelts and especially lentils.