Desserts
Gosh-e-Feel (Elephant Ear Fried Pastries) (لیف شوگ)
Ingredients
- - All-purpose flour — 300g (2 1/2 cups)
- - Egg — 1 (1)
- - Milk — 120ml (1/2 cup)
- - Butter, melted — 20g (1 1/2 tbsp)
- - Ground cardamom — 2g (1/4 tsp)
- - Vegetable oil, for frying — 500ml (2 cups)
- - Powdered sugar, for dusting — 60g (1/2 cup)
- - Crushed pistachios — 20g (3 tbsp)
Method
- Combine flour, egg, milk, melted butter and cardamom into a smooth dough.
- Knead briefly, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide into small balls and roll each out very thinly, into rough oval or ruffled shapes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 170°C (340°F).
- Fry each pastry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp, turning once.
- Drain on paper towel, then dust generously with powdered sugar and crushed pistachio while still warm.
Introduction: Thin, crisp fried pastries dusted with sugar and crushed pistachio, named for their ear-like shape.
Cultural Background: Gosh-e-Feel is closely tied to Nowruz celebrations, when Afghan households prepare a variety of fried and sweet pastries to welcome guests over the new year.
Tips: Roll the dough as thin as possible — the pastry should be delicate and crisp, not doughy. Keep the oil temperature steady; too hot and the pastries brown before cooking through.
Variations: Shape the dough into ruffled folds before frying for a more decorative presentation. Drizzle with a light sugar syrup instead of powdered sugar for a glossier finish.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian; not easily adapted to vegan due to the egg in the dough.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as part of a Nowruz sweets platter alongside tea.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Not necessary — best served at room temperature; avoid microwaving as it softens the crisp texture.
Nutrition: 230 kcal | Protein 4g | Carbs 28g | Fat 11g
FAQs:
Q: Why did my pastries turn out chewy instead of crisp? A: This usually means the dough was rolled too thick — aim for a near- translucent thinness. Q: Can these be made ahead of a celebration? A: Yes, they keep well for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
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