Croatian Fritule Doughnuts
Carnival time is fool's time! Doughnuts and Fritule are simply a must.
On Shrove Tuesday, the fools are let loose again. No time is more colorful and fun than carnival time. Our carnival motto this year: „The 80s“, because in 2022 Pitter Yacht Charter celebrates its 35th anniversary and everything started in the 80s. But that's another story. Now back to carnival and the ever-popular carnival doughnuts as well as the delightful Croatian Fritule, whose recipe we have here for you.
Carnival Doughnuts on Board in Croatia
Last year, we received great photos from our very nice customer Nadja from her autumn trip in 2021. One photo immediately caught our eye. A carnival doughnut on board. Yes, the photo is perfect for the introduction of carnival on Carnival Saturday, we knew that right away. Why Nadja had a doughnut on board or how the doughnut came on board, we were of course very interested. Therefore, Kathrin, responsible for social media, asked Nadja how she came to this delicacy in autumn in Croatia on board the Nemo. Nadja told us: „The crew was in Preko in a small supermarket and they took the opportunity to bring the doughnut on board. It was a bit of home on board ….“ Of course, a photo was not to be missed. Preko is a Croatian settlement approximately in the middle of the east coast of the island of Ugljan where you can also get delicious carnival doughnuts. It should also be noted here that Croatia is known for its sweets. In Croatia, you will find a variety of them in every bakery, mmmhhhh delicious.
Carnival, Fastnacht, and Karneval – what is the difference?
Our booking center is located in Austria and most of the employees come from near Hartberg, Styria. We in Austria celebrate Fasching. But we also have many German sailors. The word Karneval is mainly used in northern Germany. Our neighbors, the Bavarians, also say Fasching.
And what do our Swiss customers say? For them, Fasching is the Fastnacht. But in the west of Austria and in South Tyrol, people also speak of Fastnacht. The word Fasching can be traced back to the Middle High German word Vaschanc. It referred to the serving of the fasting drink.
The word Fasching can be traced back to the Middle High German word Vaschanc. It referred to the serving of the fasting drink. Fas(t)nacht came up around 1200 and is derived from the Middle High German „vastnacht“. Fastnacht is the eve of the fasting day Ash Wednesday. The Latin word Carnelevare stands for „farewell to meat“. In the Middle Ages and even many older people still adhere to not eating meat during Lent. Many also abstain from alcohol or sweets. Before Lent, it was and is therefore still celebrated extensively with hearty food or sweet dishes as well as alcohol.
When is Fasching celebrated?
November 11th is often seen as the beginning of the carnival season in Germany. However, Fasching actually begins on January 6th, the day of the Three Kings and usually ends with Ash Wednesday. The highlight of Fasching is reached only in the last week before Ash Wednesday, where we are right now.
The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is the Women's Carnival. On this day, there is the carnival custom of cutting ties, which dates back to 1824. So watch out men for ties. On Shrove Tuesday, the parades take place and celebrations continue until midnight. From Ash Wednesday, the revelry comes to an end.
Since people usually indulge during carnival time, our colleague Drazenka from Croatia has provided us with one of her favorite carnival recipes: Fritule Doughnuts.
Fritule Doughnuts are a popular dessert in Croatia and are quickly prepared. Croatians love sweet desserts, pancakes can also be found on almost every Croatian menu.
Here you will find the recipe to bake – Croatian Fritule, quickly and easily prepared with yogurt instead of yeast.
What ingredients are used for Fritule?
- 200 g yogurt
- 2 tbsp schnapps or rum
- 1 organic lemon, zest
- 1 vanilla pod, seeds
- 50 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 80 g raisins (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How is Fritule prepared?
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the egg, schnapps, lemon zest, vanilla, and sugar.
Step 2: Sift the flour with the baking powder over it and mix everything into a firm dough. If you want raisins, add them as well.
Step 3: Dip a teaspoon in hot water and scoop out small dumplings.
Step 4: Carefully slide into hot oil (about 170 degrees) (be careful not too hot) and fry golden brown all around for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Let drain on kitchen paper and dust with powdered sugar.
The schnapps is the secret tip so that not so much oil is absorbed.
How long does this recipe take?
This recipe is quick to make. Only one bowl and a whisk are used. You only need a little patience for frying. The Croatian Fritule are also known to us as fried mice.
Our Fritule recipe was recommended by the educational publisher Twinkl in their article on Carnival, Fastnacht, and Fasching.
We wish you a great carnival time and good luck!
