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Sfenj

Traditional North African yeast donuts fried until golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy interior. Best enjoyed hot, dipped in honey or sprinkled with sugar.

35 minMediumServes 4310 cal/serving

MoroccanBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 3 cups vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp fine salt.

  2. 2

    Gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water and beat vigorously until a sticky, elastic dough forms.

  3. 3

    Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

  4. 4

    Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat to 350 degrees F.

  5. 5

    Wet your hands with water, pull off a portion of dough, stretch it into a ring, and drop it into the oil.

  6. 6

    Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed, then drain on paper towels.

  7. 7

    Drizzle warm 1/4 cup honey over top before serving.

Questions

Can I make Sfenj gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Sfenj keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Sfenj?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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