Zlabya

Name: Zlabya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/8 tsp salt; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup honey; 1 tsp orange blossom water; 1/2 cup warm water; 2 tbsp pistachios, chopped; 1/2 tsp rose water

Crispy fried pastry spirals soaked in honey and orange blossom water. A traditional Tunisian sweet treat that's indulgent, aromatic, and perfect for celebrations.

35 minMediumServes 12280 cal/serving

TunisianDessertStovetopVegetarian

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup honey
1 tsp orange blossom water
1/2 cup warm water
2 tbsp pistachios, chopped
1/2 tsp rose water

Instructions

1

In a bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup warm water. Knead for 5 minutes until a soft dough forms.
2

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.
3

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a deep skillet to 350°F.
4

On a floured surface, roll one piece of dough into a thin circle. Create a spiral by rolling from the edge toward the center.
5

Carefully place the spiral into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
7

In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup honey and stir in 1 tsp orange blossom water and 1/2 tsp rose water.
8

Immediately dip the warm fried pastry into the honey mixture, coating well.
9

Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped pistachios. Serve at room temperature.

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Questions

What is Zlabya?

Crispy fried pastry spirals soaked in honey and orange blossom water. A traditional Tunisian sweet treat that's indulgent, aromatic, and perfect for celebrations. This reference files it under Tunisian dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

How hot should the oil be for Zlabya?

For Zlabya, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 3. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Zlabya is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden and crispy.

Can I make Zlabya dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Zlabya is 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Zlabya vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 large eggs and 1 cup honey. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Zlabya contain tree nuts?

Yes: 2 tbsp pistachios, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy, eggs and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Pomegranate Mint Cooler drink
Classic Daiquiri drink

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