Fried Sweet Balls

Authentic Bulgarian Fried Sweet Balls Recipe with Cottage Cheese and Vanilla Extract

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried Sweet Balls are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These crispy balls are made with a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and flour, then fried until golden brown and crispy. They are then drizzled with a sweet syrup for an extra burst of flavor.

History

Fried Sweet Balls have been a popular dessert in many cultures for centuries. The combination of cheese, eggs, and flour has been a staple in many traditional recipes, and frying them adds a crispy texture that is irresistible. The addition of a sweet syrup on top adds a touch of sweetness that makes these balls a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients

150 g (5 oz) of cottage cheese
3 eggs
100 g (4 oz) of self raising flour
vegetable oil for shallow frying
For the syrup
225 g (8 oz) of granulated sugar
240 ml (8 fl oz) of water
1 tsp of vanilla extract

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and eggs. Beat well.
Gradually add the flour while continuing to beat well.
Preheat the oil until it is hot.
Using a spoon, shape the dough mixture into balls and fry them in the hot oil until they turn golden brown and crisp. You may need to do this in batches.
Remove the balls from the oil using a slotted spoon, drain them on kitchen paper, and allow them to cool.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy.
To serve, transfer the balls to a serving dish and drizzle the syrup over the top.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.
Drizzle the balls with chocolate syrup instead of the traditional sugar syrup for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat the oil before frying the balls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil to drain any excess oil.

- Be sure to cook the syrup until it thickens and becomes syrupy to ensure it coats the balls perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Fried Sweet Balls can be served as a dessert or snack on their own, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the balls in hot oil to ensure they become crispy and golden brown.

- Cook the syrup until it thickens to ensure it coats the balls perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ricotta cheese or cream cheese instead of cottage cheese in this recipe.

- You can use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of self-raising flour for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough mixture for the balls ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry. The syrup can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fried Sweet Balls on a decorative platter and drizzle the syrup over the top for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle them with powdered sugar or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried Sweet Balls pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also go well with a glass of milk for a classic dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fried Sweet Balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fried Sweet Balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fried Sweet Balls contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fried Sweet Balls contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fried Sweet Balls contains approximately 8g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried Sweet Balls are a good source of calcium and vitamin A due to the cottage cheese used in the recipe.

Alergens

Fried Sweet Balls contain dairy (cottage cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Fried Sweet Balls are a delicious treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide a good amount of protein. They are a good source of calcium and vitamin A, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a simple yet intriguing recipe for Fried Sweet Balls that I stumbled upon in an old cookbook at a flea market. The recipe called for basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk, but what caught my eye was the addition of a secret ingredient - a pinch of nutmeg. As an avid lover of all things sweet, I was immediately drawn to the idea of these delectable little treats.

I had always been a curious cook, constantly experimenting with new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Over the years, I had acquired a vast collection of recipes from various places and people - friends, family members, and even strangers I had met along my culinary journey. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, each one telling a story of its own.

As I read through the instructions for the Fried Sweet Balls, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, learning the art of cooking from her. She was my greatest inspiration, a master in the kitchen who could whip up the most delicious dishes with ease. I had inherited her love for cooking, and it was through her guidance that I had become the cook I am today.

With the recipe in hand, I set out to gather the ingredients needed to make the Fried Sweet Balls. I carefully measured out the flour, sugar, and milk, adding in the pinch of nutmeg as instructed. As I mixed the ingredients together to form a smooth batter, the aroma of the nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

I heated up a pot of oil on the stove, ready to fry up the sweet balls to golden perfection. As I dropped spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, the sizzling sound of the balls frying brought a smile to my face. I watched as they turned a beautiful shade of golden brown, the smell of the fried dough making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the sweet balls were cooked to perfection, I removed them from the oil and placed them on a plate to cool. I couldn't resist sampling one before they had completely cooled down, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The sweet balls were light and fluffy, with a hint of nutmeg that added a unique warmth to each bite.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my collection, a dish that I would make time and time again for friends and family. As I savored the last bite of the Fried Sweet Ball, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the recipes I had collected over the years, each one a treasure that had brought joy and comfort to those who had tasted them.

And so, as I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the cookbook, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the recipes that were waiting to be discovered, each one holding the promise of a new culinary adventure. Cooking had always been my passion, and with each new recipe I tried, I felt a renewed sense of joy and fulfillment in the kitchen. My grandmother had taught me well, and I knew that her legacy would live on in the dishes I created for years to come.