Loading...
Middle Easterndessertveganvegetariandairy-free
Zalabya
Zalabya are light, crispy fried dough fritters soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, originating from Egypt and widely enjoyed across the Middle East and North Africa. These golden puffs are a popular street food and festive treat, often served warm and dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey.
Jump to recipeIngredients
Units
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix well.
- 2
Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water to the flour mixture and whisk until a smooth, lump-free batter forms with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- 3
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for 30 minutes until it becomes slightly bubbly and active.
- 4
While the batter rests, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- 5
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the syrup and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly to a light consistency.
- 6
Remove the syrup from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon rose water and 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water, then set aside to cool.
- 7
Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
- 8
Using a small spoon or a squeeze bottle, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- 9
Fry the zalabya for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them gently with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and puffed all around.
