To prepare Zalabya, you’ll need the following
ingredients:
- Zalabya dough (either store-bought or homemade)
- Sugar or honey for syrup
- Rose water for syrup (optional)
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds
- Vegetable oil for frying
A beloved Middle Eastern dessert, is a delightful treat often enjoyed during festive gatherings and special occasions. Originating from various culinary traditions including Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Egyptian cuisines, offers a perfect blend of crispy texture and sweet flavor that captivates the senses.
To prepare
you’ll need simple ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. Begin by shaping Zalabya dough, which you can either purchase pre-made or prepare at home using basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt. Shape the dough into small pieces, ready to fry until golden and crispy.
In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to the optimal frying temperature. Carefully add the dough pieces, ensuring they fry evenly with enough space. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
While the Zalabya fries, prepare the syrup by combining sugar or honey with water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Optionally, you can add a splash of rose water to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
Once the Zalabya pieces reach perfection, transfer them to the hot syrup immediately. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, absorbing the sweetness of the syrup and becoming irresistibly moist.
To finish, garnish the Zalabya with chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
