Sfenj
Sfenj is a traditional Moroccan pastry that is similar to a doughnut. It is made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, and water and deep-fried until golden brown. Sfenj is often served as a breakfast or snack food and can be enjoyed plain or dusted with sugar. It is a popular treat in Morocco and other parts of the Arab world.
Here is a simple recipe for making sfenj, a traditional Moroccan pastry, at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a towel and set it aside in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead it briefly on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Remove the sfenj from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
- Dust the sfenj with sugar, if desired, and serve them hot. Enjoy!
You can also add additional ingredients to the sfenj dough, such as anise seeds or orange blossom water, to give it more flavor. Enjoy!
Tips for preparation of Sfenj
Here is a simple recipe for making sfenj, a traditional Moroccan pastry, at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a towel and set it aside in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead it briefly on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Remove the sfenj from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
- Dust the sfenj with sugar, if desired, and serve them hot. Enjoy!
You can also add additional ingredients to the sfenj dough, such as anise seeds or orange blossom water, to give it more flavor. Enjoy!
Sfenj serving size
The serving size for sfenj will depend on the specific dish it is being served with and the appetite of the individual. As a general guide, one serving of sfenj could be considered one or two medium-sized pastries, or about the size of a small plate.
However, it is important to note that the serving size of sfenj may vary depending on the specific recipe and the role that it is playing in the meal. For example, if sfenj is being served as a main course, a larger serving size may be appropriate. If it is being served as a side dish or a snack, a smaller serving size may be more appropriate.
It is also important to consider the overall balance of nutrients in your diet when determining the serving size of sfenj and other high-fat, high-calorie foods. If you are trying to watch your intake of these nutrients, it may be helpful to be mindful of the serving size of sfenj and other fried foods.
Sfenj nutrition value
The nutrition value of sfenj will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used to make it. In general, sfenj is a high-fat, high-calorie pastry that may provide some carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of vitamins and minerals.
Here is a rough estimate of the nutrition value of one serving (about 2 medium-sized pastries) of sfenj made with all-purpose flour, yeast, and water and fried in vegetable oil:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
It is important to note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Sfenj may also contain additional nutrients if it is made with other ingredients, such as nuts or dried fruits.
Sfenj is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based ingredients as the main ingredient instead of animal products. However, it is important to note that some versions of sfenj may contain ingredients that are not suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or allergies, such as dairy products. Always be sure to check the ingredient list before consuming any food, including sfenj.