Homemade Bulgarian Mekitsa

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Toppings of your choice: powdered sugar, jam, honey, cheese, ham, etc. Toppings of your choice: powdered sugar, jam, honey, cheese, ham, etc.

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the dissolved yeast mixture and yogurt.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise overnight in a warm place.
5. 5.
   The next day, heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small balls or discs.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the dough balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
8. 8.
   Remove the Mekitsa from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Mekitsa warm with your choice of toppings.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Avoid using self-rising flour as it may affect the texture of the Mekitsa.
• Yogurt — Opt for plain yogurt with a thick consistency. Greek yogurt works well too.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying the Mekitsa.

Tips & Tricks

• For a fluffier texture, allow the dough to rise overnight. This will enhance the flavor as well.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Mekitsa to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Traditional options include powdered sugar, jam, or honey, but you can also try savory toppings like cheese or ham.

Serving advice

Serve the Mekitsa warm to fully enjoy their fluffy texture. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mekitsa on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an appealing presentation. Serve them with a variety of toppings in separate bowls to allow everyone to customize their Mekitsa.