Zalabiya -- Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts

Zalabiya - Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts Recipe | Origin: Yemen

Region / culture: Yemen | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Zalabiya, also known as Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular during the holiday of Chanuka. These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are fried to perfection and then dusted with powdered sugar for a delicious treat.

History

Zalabiya has been enjoyed in Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries for centuries. It is often made during special occasions and holidays, such as Chanuka. The dough is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast, and then fried until golden brown.

Ingredients

2.25 lb of flour (1 kg)
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tsp of salt
2 oz of yeast (57 g)
water (I used soy milk)
soy oil or canola oil (for frying)
powdered sugar (for dredging)

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients except for the water together.
If you need to proof the yeast first (I don't), dissolve it in a little warm water with some of the sugar.
If using an electric mixer with a dough hook, start kneading the dough while slowly adding warm water, a little at a time, until you achieve a pliable, slightly sticky dough.
The dough should not be too stiff or too gloopy. It should have some substance but still stick to the bowl and your hands.
If you are working by hand, follow the same directions as above but without using the dough hook.
Begin by using a good, heavy wooden spoon, then continue working and kneading with your hands.
Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
If you are short on time, you can microwave the dough on high for 30 seconds every 15 minutes to speed up the rising process.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down, remove the sticky dough from your hands, and let it rise again until doubled.
Punch it down again.
Pour about two inches of oil into a pot suitable for deep frying.
I used a small pot and fried two zalabia at a time.
Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a ping-pong ball.
Shape it into a ball and then use your fingers to poke a hole in the center, forming a doughnut shape.
Fry the dough in the hot oil, first on one side and then on the other, until it turns golden brown.
Be careful as they brown quickly.
Drain the fried dough on absorbent paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.
Comment:
I love this dessert! It's delicious :)

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Fill the doughnuts with jam or chocolate for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it is pliable and slightly sticky.

- Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for the best texture.

- Fry the doughnuts in hot oil, flipping them once they turn golden brown.

- Dust the fried doughnuts with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zalabiya warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Use an electric mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading.

- Microwave the dough to speed up the rising process if you are short on time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular milk instead of soy milk.

- Use vegetable oil instead of canola oil for frying.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough ahead of time and fry the doughnuts just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried doughnuts on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Zalabiya with a hot cup of Arabic coffee or spiced tea for a delightful combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Zalabiya in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zalabiya contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zalabiya contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zalabiya contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zalabiya contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zalabiya is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Zalabiya contains gluten and eggs.

Summary

Zalabiya is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Zalabiya is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert that is perfect for special occasions like Chanuka. These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional treat with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Zalabiya – Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts caught my eye. The ingredients were simple – flour, sugar, yeast, water, and a dash of cardamom – but the process seemed complex.

I had never heard of Zalabiya before, but the description in the cookbook painted a picture of a warm, sweet treat that was perfect for the holiday season. I knew I had to try and make it myself.

I remembered my mother telling me stories of her time spent in Yemen, where she learned how to make traditional dishes from the locals. She had a way of making the most delicious meals with the simplest of ingredients, and I hoped to channel her expertise as I attempted to recreate this exotic dessert.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The dough came together easily, and as I kneaded it, I could already smell the warm spices of cardamom and sugar mingling together. I let the dough rise, and when I returned to it, I was delighted to see that it had doubled in size.

I heated a pot of oil on the stove and began to shape the dough into small balls, dropping them carefully into the oil. As they sizzled and turned golden brown, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of frying dough. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the Zalabiya were ready, I dusted them with powdered sugar and took my first bite. The dough was light and airy, with a hint of sweetness that was perfectly balanced by the warm spices. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but think about the journey this recipe had taken to reach me. From the streets of Yemen to the pages of my cookbook, it had traveled through time and across continents to find its way into my kitchen. I felt a connection to the past as I enjoyed this traditional dish, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own family for years to come.

I thought back to my mother and the stories she had shared with me about her time in Yemen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands deftly shaping the dough as she taught me the secrets of traditional Yemenite cooking. I felt her presence in the kitchen with me, her wisdom and love infusing every bite of the Zalabiya.

As I finished the last bite of the delicious doughnuts, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dessert – it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their culinary wisdom. And as I licked the powdered sugar from my fingers, I knew that I would always treasure the memory of making Zalabiya – Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts in my kitchen on that cold winter day.