Zalabia (Sudanese Fried Dough with Syrup)

Name: Zalabia (Sudanese Fried Dough with Syrup)
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Sudan
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups); Instant yeast — 1 tsp; Sugar — 1 tbsp; Salt — 1/4 tsp; Warm water — 250 ml (1 cup); Vegetable oil, for frying — 750 ml (3 cups); Sugar (for syrup) — 200 g (1 cup); Water (for syrup) — 150 ml (2/3 cup); Lemon juice (for syrup) — 1 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups)
Instant yeast — 1 tsp
Sugar — 1 tbsp
Salt — 1/4 tsp
Warm water — 250 ml (1 cup)
Vegetable oil, for frying — 750 ml (3 cups)
Sugar (for syrup) — 200 g (1 cup)
Water (for syrup) — 150 ml (2/3 cup)
Lemon juice (for syrup) — 1 tsp

Method

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in warm water to form a smooth, thick, pourable batter.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until bubbly.
Meanwhile, make the syrup: combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
Heat oil to 175°C (350°F). Pipe or spoon small rounds of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
Drain briefly on paper towels, then dip immediately into the cooled syrup.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Introduction: Zalabia are crisp, golden fried dough balls soaked in sweet syrup, a favourite treat sold by street vendors and made at home especially during Ramadan evenings.

Cultural Background: Zalabia are crisp, golden fried dough balls soaked in sweet syrup, a favourite treat sold by street vendors and made at home especially during Ramadan evenings.

Tips: Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature — too hot and the dough browns before cooking through.

Variations: Some versions add a pinch of ground cardamom to the batter for extra fragrance. Already fully vegetarian as written; use plant-based ingredients only (no dairy present) for vegan.

Storage: Best eaten the day they are made; store covered at room temperature up to 1 day.

Reheating: Not typically reheated; enjoy fresh.

Nutrition: Approx. 150 kcal, 2 g protein, 5 g fat, 25 g carbohydrate per piece.

FAQs:

Q: Why is my batter not bubbly after resting?

A: Check that the yeast is active and the water was warm, not hot, which can kill the yeast.