Zlebiye - Algerian Sweet Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Honey, for drizzling (optional) Honey, for drizzling (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring continuously until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters.
6. 6.
   Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown on all sides, flipping them occasionally for even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Allow the fritters to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling with honey.
9. 9.
   Serve the Zlebiye warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the batter. If unsure about the yeast's freshness, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange blossom water or rose water to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the fritters. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may brown quickly on the outside but remain undercooked inside.
• Serve the Zlebiye immediately after dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with honey for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Zlebiye is best enjoyed warm, straight from the frying pan. Serve them as a dessert or snack option during festive gatherings or as a sweet treat to accompany a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Zlebiye on a platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. For an elegant touch, you can garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.