Mekitsas (Batter fried in oil)
Mekitsas Recipe - Traditional Bulgarian Batter Fried in Oil
Introduction
Mekitsas are a traditional Bulgarian dish that consists of batter fried in oil. These delicious treats are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings such as powdered sugar, jam, or cheese.
History
Mekitsas have been a popular dish in Bulgaria for centuries, with recipes being passed down through generations. They are often made for special occasions and celebrations, and are a staple in Bulgarian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of flour
- 3 eggs
- 0.5 kg of yogurt
- 10 g of yeast or 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 cupful of water
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- 1 cupful of sunflower oil
How to prepare
- In a bowl, beat eggs and yogurt together with water and diluted yeast or baking soda in cold water. Mix well.
- Prepare a soft dough and let it stand for 1 hour to rise.
- Roll out the dough into a sheet and cut out circles using a teacup.
- In a deep pan, heat plenty of oil. Fry the dough circles until they turn reddish in color.
- Remove from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve the fried dough circles with powdered sugar, jam, or cheese. Enjoy!
Variations
- Add raisins or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
- Serve mekitsas with honey or Nutella for a decadent treat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the dough circles to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Be careful when frying the dough circles, as hot oil can splatter.
- Serve the mekitsas immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Mekitsas can be served with powdered sugar, jam, or cheese for a sweet or savory twist. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Techniques
Frying the dough circles in hot oil is the traditional cooking technique for mekitsas. Make sure to fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- If you don't have baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for mekitsas ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before frying.
Presentation Ideas
Serve mekitsas on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam or cheese for dipping.
Pairing Recommendations
Mekitsas pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Mekitsas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to crisp them up again.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of mekitsas contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of mekitsas contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of mekitsas contains approximately 10g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of mekitsas contains approximately 5g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Mekitsas are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Mekitsas contain gluten and dairy.
Summary
Mekitsas are a delicious and indulgent treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Mekitsas are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a crispy exterior and soft interior, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and savor every bite!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Bulgaria. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who taught me how to make Mekitsas, a traditional Bulgarian dish that is essentially batter fried in oil.
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven filled the air. My grandmother was in the kitchen, rolling out dough and humming a tune that I had never heard before. I watched in awe as she worked her magic, turning simple ingredients into something so delicious.
"Come here, my dear," she called out to me. "I want to show you how to make Mekitsas."
I eagerly rushed over to her side, excited to learn the secret behind this delectable treat. As she began to explain the process to me, I listened intently, hanging on to her every word. She told me that the key to making the perfect Mekitsas was in the dough - it had to be just the right consistency, not too thick and not too thin.
She showed me how to mix the flour, water, yeast, and salt together until it formed a soft, sticky dough. Then, she demonstrated how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic. I watched in amazement as she shaped the dough into small rounds and let them rest on a floured surface.
"Now, my dear," she said, "it's time to fry the Mekitsas."
She poured oil into a large skillet and heated it until it shimmered. Then, she carefully placed the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying them until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside. The smell that filled the kitchen was heavenly - warm and inviting, with hints of yeast and oil.
Once the Mekitsas were done cooking, my grandmother removed them from the oil and placed them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. She sprinkled them with powdered sugar and handed me one to try.
I took a bite and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The Mekitsas were light and airy on the inside, with a crispy crust that was sweet and savory. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious.
From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me more of her recipes, and she happily obliged. Over the years, I learned how to make all sorts of traditional Bulgarian dishes, but the Mekitsas always held a special place in my heart.
Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, rolling out dough and frying up batches of Mekitsas for my own family, I can't help but think back to that fateful day when my grandmother first introduced me to this wonderful recipe. It's a memory that I will always cherish, and one that I am happy to pass down to future generations.
So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of Bulgaria, just whip up a batch of Mekitsas and transport yourself back to a simpler time, when family recipes were passed down from generation to generation. And remember, the key to making the perfect Mekitsas is in the dough - so don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Categories
| Bulgarian Recipes | Bulgarian Snacks | Cheese Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Sunflower Oil Recipes | Yeast Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |