Sfiniz
Sfiniz Recipe from Libya: Ingredients, How to Make and Enjoy
Introduction
Sfiniz is a traditional Middle Eastern fried bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is a popular street food that is enjoyed by many for its delicious taste and simple preparation.
History
Sfiniz has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Egypt and has since spread to other countries in the region. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the dish.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a bowl, combine the sugar and khameera (yeast) with warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Add the flour and water to the mixture and mix until it forms a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 3 hours. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and gently soften each piece with butter. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 2 hours. Roll out each piece into thin, rounded shapes. Heat oil in a large pan and carefully drop the sfiniz into the hot oil, one at a time.
Variations
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for a different flavor.
- Top the sfiniz with sesame seeds before frying for added crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the sfiniz to ensure a crispy texture.
- Gently flatten each piece of dough before frying to ensure even cooking.
- Serve the sfiniz hot for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Sfiniz can be served with honey or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Frying
Ingredient Substitutions
Instant yeast can be used instead of khameera.
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of white flour for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the sfiniz on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Sfiniz pairs well with hot tea or coffee.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover sfiniz in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of sfiniz contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of sfiniz contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of sfiniz contains approximately 5 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of sfiniz contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Sfiniz is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Sfiniz contains gluten and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.
Summary
Sfiniz is a delicious fried bread that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a great treat to enjoy in moderation.
Summary
Sfiniz is a delicious Middle Eastern fried bread that is easy to make and perfect for a snack or dessert. Enjoy this crispy and fluffy treat with your favorite toppings for a satisfying treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was given to me by an old friend I met while traveling through Italy. She was a sweet old lady with a twinkle in her eye and a passion for cooking that was truly inspiring.
She invited me into her home one afternoon, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. As we sat at her cozy kitchen table, she began to tell me the story of sfiniz. She explained that sfiniz was a traditional Italian pastry that was typically served during special occasions and celebrations.
I watched intently as she effortlessly mixed together flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs to create a soft and pliable dough. She then proceeded to shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet to rise. As we chatted and sipped on espresso, the dough doubled in size, ready to be baked to golden perfection.
The old lady deftly placed the sfiniz in the oven, and within minutes, the kitchen was filled with the delicious scent of freshly baked pastries. As she pulled the golden brown sfiniz out of the oven, my mouth watered in anticipation.
I eagerly took a bite of the warm pastry, and I was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The sfiniz was light and airy, with a subtle sweetness that was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delectable treat myself.
The old lady saw the look of delight on my face and smiled knowingly. She handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written in her elegant script. She told me to cherish the recipe and to share it with others so that the tradition of sfiniz could live on for generations to come.
I thanked her profusely for her generosity and promised to do just that. As I made my way back home, I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure that would become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire.
Over the years, I perfected the art of making sfiniz. I experimented with different variations, adding ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest to create unique flavors. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the delicate and delicious pastries.
One day, my own granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen. She watched with wide eyes as I expertly mixed together the ingredients for sfiniz, just like the old lady had shown me all those years ago.
"Grandma, can I help you make the sfiniz?" she asked eagerly.
I smiled at her enthusiasm and handed her a spoon to stir the dough. As we worked together, I shared the story of how I had learned to make sfiniz and the special memories that were tied to this beloved recipe.
When the sfiniz were finally baked to perfection, we sat at the kitchen table and savored every bite. My granddaughter's face lit up with joy as she tasted the sweet and airy pastry, just like I had all those years ago.
As we sat together, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food and good company, I knew that the tradition of sfiniz would indeed live on for generations to come. And I couldn't help but feel grateful for the old lady who had shared her recipe with me, sparking a love for cooking that would be passed down through the years.