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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.

35 minMediumServes 12280 cal/serving

TunisianDessertStovetopVegetarian

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. 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. 2

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

  3. 3

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

  4. 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. 5

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

  6. 6

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

  7. 7

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

  8. 8

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

  9. 9

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

Questions

Can I make Zlabya dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry 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.

Can I make Zlabya gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 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 Zlabya keep?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.

Can I halve or double Zlabya?

Yes. As written it serves 12. 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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