Every now and then, a recipe captures my heart and transforms an ordinary day into a special occasion. The first time I tried globi—these delightful crispy ricotta-filled bites—was a game-changer. The moment those golden spheres hit the table, their warm, inviting scent filled the air, promising a treat unlike anything else.
Drizzled with honey and adorned with poppy seeds, each bite combines a satisfying crunch with a creamy interior that simply melts in your mouth. What I love most about globi is their versatility; you can easily adapt them to fit gluten-free diets or dress them up for festive gatherings. Whether sharing them with a coffee-loving friend or serving them as a stunning dessert at a dinner party, these little gems are bound to impress.
Join me as we dive into an easy recipe that not only offers a taste of Swiss tradition but brings a little magic into your kitchen. Let’s make some globi!
Why love Globi for your next meal?
Irresistible Taste: Imagine crispy outer shells with a smooth, creamy ricotta center; that’s what globi deliver.
Quick to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up for any occasion without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Options: Whether you want a sweet drizzle of honey or savory yogurt dressing, globi adapt beautifully to any flavor profile.
Perfect for Sharing: They’re bite-sized delights that are great for gatherings, making it easy to please a crowd.
Gluten-Free Friendly: With simple substitutions, anyone can enjoy these treats. For more delectable ideas, check out this easy gluten-free recipe—ensuring everyone gets a taste!
Globi Ingredients
• Ready to make some heavenly globi? Here’s what you need!
For the Dough
- Whole-Grain Flour – Provides structure; consider spelt or durum for a nutritious twist.
- Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness; opt for whole-milk ricotta for the best texture.
- Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; any mild salt can work in a pinch.
For Frying
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Contributes a rich flavor; can be swapped with a high smoke point oil like canola.
For Topping
- Honey – Adds sweetness and a glossy finish; feel free to experiment with alternative sweeteners.
- Poppy Seeds – Sprinkles of crunch and flair; crushed pistachios or sesame seeds can work as great substitutes.
These simple yet delightful ingredients come together beautifully to create your new favorite snack!
How to Make Globi
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole-grain flour, ricotta cheese, and sea salt. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms, taking care not to overwork it.
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Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You should yield about 20 to 24 globi; this step is both fun and rewarding!
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Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, pour in extra-virgin olive oil and heat it to 325°F. Once it reaches the temperature, reduce the heat to medium, ensuring the oil stays hot but not smoking.
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Fry the Globi: Carefully fry 2-3 globi at a time, turning them every 10-15 seconds. Continue frying until they are golden brown and crispy, which takes about 60-90 seconds. Let them drain on paper towels.
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Add the Finishing Touches: Warm the honey gently until it’s just above room temperature. Dip the cooled globi in the honey, then sprinkle with poppy seeds for that gorgeous touch before serving warm.
Optional: Drizzle some extra honey on top for an added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Globi
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Chill the Dough: Before rolling, let the dough chill for at least 15 minutes. This helps prevent stickiness and makes shaping much easier.
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Test Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is at the right temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it bubbles immediately, you’re good to go for frying your globi!
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Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only 2-3 globi at a time. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, unevenly cooked globi.
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Incorporate Zest: For a refreshing twist, try adding lemon or orange zest to the dough. This little addition will elevate the flavor of your globi beautifully.
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Choose Gluten-Free Options: If needed, easily adapt this globi recipe by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
How to Store and Freeze Globi
Room Temperature: Enjoy your globi fresh for the best flavor, ideally within a few hours after frying. If left out, consume them within a day for optimal taste.
Fridge: Store leftover globi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze globi in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer in the oven until heated through.
Reheating: Whether from the fridge or freezer, reheating in the oven helps restore that delightful crispiness of your globi, ensuring they remain an irresistible treat!
What to Serve with Crispy Honey-Dipped Globi?
Pair these delightful bites with flavorsome companions that enhance their creamy richness.
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Strong Coffee: The bold flavor of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness of globi, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing burst that beautifully balances the sweetness of the honey.
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Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, like peach or apple, offers a lovely contrast to the crispy exterior of globi.
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Greek Yogurt Dip: A tangy Greek yogurt dip drizzled with honey provides a creamy counterpart that perfectly contrasts the crispy globi.
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Savory Herb Yogurt: A herbed yogurt dressing brings fresh flavors to the table, making for a delightful appetizer or snack.
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Dessert Wine: Pair with a light dessert wine, such as Moscato; the sweetness contrasts nicely with the honey and adds a festive touch.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve globi alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm bites to melt into the cool treat.
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Lemonade: The zesty notes of freshly squeezed lemonade can brighten the palate and refresh the senses between bites.
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Nut & Seed Medley: A crunchy mix of nuts and seeds provides additional texture and flavor, making your snack time even more satisfying.
Make Ahead Options
These crispy globi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and shape the globi up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, simply roll the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy your ricotta bites, heat the oil and fry them from chilled, ensuring that they retain that delightful crispness. For best results, fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, dip them in honey and sprinkle with poppy seeds just before serving for a delicious treat that feels fresh and homemade, saving you time during busy weeknights!
Globi Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these delicious bites; your taste buds will thank you!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a similar texture and taste without compromising the flavor.
- Sweet Toppings: Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique sweetness.
- Savory Option: Replace honey with herbed yogurt for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Nutty Crunch: Swap poppy seeds with crushed pistachios or almonds for a richer crunch.
- Fruity Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that elevates each bite.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a dessert-like experience, a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can be a real treat.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of chili powder into the dough for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Baked Variation: For a lighter version, try baking globi instead of frying; brush them with olive oil before placing them in the oven.
These variations allow you to personalize your globi, ensuring they’re perfect for any occasion or gathering!
Globi Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta is best for making globi?
Absolutely, I recommend using whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest and richest texture. Low-fat ricotta may lead to a drier result, which can affect the overall enjoyment of these crispy bites. If you’re in a pinch, you could also look for ricotta labeled as “soft” for a better outcome.
How should I store leftover globi?
The best way to store leftover globi is in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day. If they need to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can I freeze globi? If so, how?
Yes! Freezing globi is very simple. Start by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once they are solid (about 1 to 2 hours), you can transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat them straight from the freezer in the oven until warmed through, which restores their delightful crispiness!
What if my globi dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, there are a few fixes. First, a quick chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes can help firm it up. If it’s still sticky after chilling, sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands and the dough while shaping the globi. Avoid adding too much flour, as that might toughen your globi instead of keeping them fluffy!
Are globi suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, globi can easily be made gluten-free! Simply replace the whole-grain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check the flour’s ingredients for any allergens, and you’ll still be able to enjoy those delicious, crispy bites without a hitch!
Can I use alternatives to honey for the topping?
Very much! While honey adds a lovely sweetness, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a simple sugar syrup if you prefer. Just ensure that whatever alternative you choose complements the flavors of the globi and serves your dietary preferences well.
Crispy Globi: Irresistible Ricotta Bites for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together whole-grain flour, ricotta cheese, and sea salt until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- In a medium saucepan, heat extra-virgin olive oil to 325°F.
- Fry 2-3 globi at a time, turning them every 10-15 seconds until golden brown, which takes about 60-90 seconds.
- Warm the honey gently, then dip the cooled globi in it and sprinkle with poppy seeds before serving.
