Uštipci s lučinicom (Serbian Fried Dough Balls with Cheese)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (100g) grated lučinica cheese (or a combination of lučinica and mozzarella) 1 cup (100g) grated lučinica cheese (or a combination of lučinica and mozzarella)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, dried oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk. Mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs to the mixture and continue to mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Flatten each portion and place a spoonful of grated cheese in the center.
7. 7.
   Fold the dough over the cheese, sealing it well to form a ball.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to a medium-high temperature.
9. 9.
   Carefully place the dough balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides.
10. 10.
    Remove the uštipci from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
11. 11.
    Serve the uštipci s lučinicom warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lučinica cheese — If you can't find lučinica cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or any other soft, tangy cheese. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the dough mixture.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the uštipci to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Serve the uštipci s lučinicom with a side of ajvar (Serbian roasted red pepper spread) or kajmak (Serbian clotted cream) for a traditional touch.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the uštipci in the oven instead of frying them.

Serving advice

Serve the uštipci s lučinicom as an appetizer or a snack. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the frying pan. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated cheese and a pinch of paprika on top of the uštipci before serving. Serve them on a wooden board or a decorative plate to add a rustic touch.