Gosh Feel (Elephant Ear Pastries)
Gosh Feel (Elephant Ear Pastries) Recipe from Iran | Ingredients and Steps
Introduction
Gosh Feel, also known as Elephant Ear Pastries, is a delicious and traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is loved for its crispy texture and sweet flavor. These pastries are perfect for serving at special occasions or as a sweet treat for your family and friends.
History
The origins of Gosh Feel can be traced back to Middle Eastern cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for generations as a popular dessert. The name "Gosh Feel" translates to "Elephant Ear" in English, referring to the shape of the pastries that resemble the ears of an elephant.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp caster sugar
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup milk
- 4 tsp oil
- 2.5 cups plain flour
- 0.25 cup plain flour for kneading
- 0.5 tsp ground cardamom
- oil for deep-frying
- 1 cup icing (confectioners') sugar
- 0.5 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 0.5 cup finely chopped pistachios
How to prepare
- Beat the eggs until frothy, then beat in the sugar and salt.
- Stir in the milk and oil.
- Sift the flour and add half of it to the egg mixture, blending it in with a wooden spoon.
- Gradually stir in the remaining flour, reserving about 0.5 cup.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and dust it with some of the reserved flour.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and glossy, using more flour as needed.
- The dough will still be slightly sticky.
- Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours.
- Take a piece of dough about the size of a large hazelnut and roll it out on a floured board to a circle about 8–10 cm (3-4 inches) in diameter.
- Gather up the dough on one side and pinch it, forming a shape resembling an elephant ear.
- Place it on a cloth and cover it.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
- Deep fry one pastry at a time in oil heated to 190°C (375°F), turning it to cook evenly.
- Fry until golden, being careful not to over-brown.
- Since the dough is rather elastic, the pastry tends to contract with handling, so just before dropping the pastry into the hot oil, lightly pull it out with your fingers to enlarge it.
- Drain the pastries on paper towels.
- Sift icing sugar with cardamom, if desired, and dust the pastries with the mixture.
- Sprinkle them with nuts and serve them warm or cold.
- Store the pastries in a sealed container.
- Alternative topping: Make a syrup with 1 cup of sugar and 0.5 cup of water.
- Bring the syrup to a boil once the sugar is dissolved and boil it for 5 minutes.
- Dribble the syrup onto the warm pastries and sprinkle them with cardamom and nuts.
Variations
- For a different flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Instead of pistachios, you can use chopped almonds or walnuts as a topping.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to let the dough rest for 2 hours before rolling it out to ensure the pastries are light and crispy.
- When deep-frying the pastries, make sure the oil is heated to 190°C (375°F) to achieve a golden and crispy texture.
- Dusting the pastries with icing sugar and cardamom adds a delicious flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Store the pastries in a sealed container to keep them fresh for longer.
Serving Suggestions
Gosh Feel can be served warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar and sprinkled with chopped pistachios for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Techniques
Deep-frying is the traditional cooking technique used to make Gosh Feel, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have ground cardamom, you can use cinnamon or nutmeg as a substitute for flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Gosh Feel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Gosh Feel on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of icing sugar and a garnish of fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Gosh Feel pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Gosh Feel in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pastries in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 10g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 5g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Gosh Feel is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Gosh Feel contains eggs, milk, and pistachios, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Gosh Feel is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a tasty treat to enjoy in moderation.
Summary
Gosh Feel is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is easy to make and perfect for serving at special occasions or as a sweet treat for your family and friends. Enjoy the crispy and sweet flavors of these Elephant Ear Pastries with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying dessert experience.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Gosh Feel, also known as Elephant Ear Pastries. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Egypt. My grandmother was known for her delicious pastries, and she passed down the art of baking to me.
One day, while walking through the bustling market in our village, I came across a small, elderly woman selling an array of pastries unlike anything I had ever seen before. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, drawing me in like a magnet. I approached the woman and asked her what she was selling.
"These are Gosh Feel, my dear," she said with a warm smile. "Elephant Ear Pastries. Would you like to try one?"
I eagerly accepted, and as I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The pastry was light and flaky, with just the right amount of sweetness. I asked the woman where she had learned to make such delicious pastries, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations.
Determined to learn the secret behind these delectable treats, I begged the woman to teach me how to make them. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon in her small kitchen, kneading dough, rolling it out, and frying it to crispy perfection. As I watched her work, I soaked up every detail, determined to master the art of making Gosh Feel.
After several hours of hard work and patience, the pastries were finally ready. I took a bite of the warm, crispy treat and closed my eyes in pure bliss. The flavors danced on my tongue, transporting me to a world of sweetness and warmth.
From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Gosh Feel. I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. I sought out other bakers and cooks in the village, eager to learn their tips and tricks for creating the perfect pastry.
Over time, my skills improved, and my Gosh Feel became a beloved treat in our village. People would line up outside my door, eager to taste the crispy, sugary pastries that had become my signature dish. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had mastered a recipe that had once seemed so elusive.
As the years passed, I continued to refine my recipe for Gosh Feel, adding my own unique touch to the traditional treat. I experimented with different fillings and toppings, creating new and exciting variations that delighted my friends and family.
To this day, whenever I make Gosh Feel, I am reminded of that fateful day in the market when I first discovered the joy of this delicious pastry. The recipe may have been passed down through generations, but it is now a part of my own culinary heritage, a reminder of the passion and dedication that I bring to my cooking.
And so, I continue to share my love for Gosh Feel with those around me, passing on the recipe and the story behind it to future generations. For me, this simple pastry represents not just a delicious treat, but a connection to my past and a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simple act of baking.