Visiting an open-air market in the heart of Palermo, I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas that danced through the air. Sweet pastries and exotic spices enticed me at every turn, but it was the sight of freshly made cannoli that truly captured my heart. I knew then that I had to create a unique twist on this classic Italian dessert, infusing it with the tropical sweetness of mango and the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom.
This recipe for Exotic Spiced Cannoli combines the traditional crispy shell with a luscious filling that will transport you to far-off lands with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Shells:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg yolk
– 2 tablespoons white wine or vinegar
– Oil for frying
For the Mango Cardamom Filling:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
– ½ cup mascarpone cheese
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lime
– Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
To make the Cannoli Shells:
– In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
– Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and white wine (or vinegar). Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
– After resting, roll out the dough as thinly as possible (about 1/8 inch thick). Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
– Wrap each circle of dough around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little water. Repeat for all circles.
– Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cannoli shells until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them carefully and let them drain on paper towels. Allow to cool completely before removing the tubes.
To prepare the Mango Cardamom Filling:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and ground cardamom. Mix until smooth and creamy.
– Gently fold in the diced mango, vanilla extract, and lime zest until well combined.
To assemble:
– Once the cannoli shells are cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each shell with the mango cardamom filling.
– Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.
Serve your Exotic Spiced Cannoli with Mango and Cardamom chilled, and let each bite whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Palermo, where every dessert tells a story of culture and flavor. Enjoy!