How to make crispy and crunchy dumplings with syrup, step by step

Zalabia or “dumpling” is one of the most famous desserts in Egyptian and Arab cuisine. It is characterized by its crunchy texture and sweet flavor that is loved by adults and children. It can be served on many occasions, and the method of making Zalabia is easy and can be prepared with simple ingredients found in every home. In this article, we will learn how to make dumpling in detail, with some tips for getting crispy and golden Zalabia.

Dumplings ingredients:

To prepare the dumplings, you need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of white flour.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (gives them the desired crunchiness).
• 1 teaspoon of sugar.
• Half a teaspoon of salt.
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast.
• 1 and a quarter cups of warm water (to achieve the perfect dough).
• Vegetable oil for frying.

  

Ingredients for the syrup:

• 2 cups of sugar.
• 1 cup of water.
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla (optional, to add a distinctive flavor).

How to prepare the Zalabiya dough:

Mix the dry ingredients: Place the flour, starch, sugar, and salt in a deep bowl, and mix them well using a spoon.
Add the yeast: Add the instant yeast to the dry mixture, then mix the ingredients gently.
Add the water: Gradually add the warm water to the mixture, and start kneading the ingredients using a spoon or hand mixer, until a homogeneous and smooth dough is formed.
Continuous kneading: Continue kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and somewhat cohesive.
Leave the dough to ferment: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or a plastic bag, and leave it in a warm place for an hour, until it doubles in size and is ready to fry.

How to prepare the syrup :

1. Mix the ingredients: In another bowl, put the sugar and water, then stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves.
2. Heating on the fire: Place the pot on medium heat, and leave it until the water starts to boil. Remove any foam that appears on the surface.
3. Adding lemon juice and vanilla: After boiling for a few minutes, add the lemon juice, then leave the mixture to boil for 10 minutes until it thickens a little. Add vanilla to add a special flavor.
4. Cooling: After the syrup becomes a little thick, remove it from the heat and leave it to cool completely, as cold syrup is used on hot Zalabia.

Frying Zalabia:

1. Preparing the oil: Heat enough oil in a deep pot over medium heat, so that the oil temperature is suitable for the Zalabia to cook from the inside and become crispy from the outside.
2. Shaping the Zalabia: After the dough has fermented, use a teaspoon to make small balls, or you can use your hands to form small balls and place them in the hot oil.
3. Slow frying: Start by gradually dropping the dumplings into the oil, being careful not to add too many at once so that the balls do not stick together.
4. Constant turning: Turn the balls with a spoon until they are golden on all sides. This process takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5. Removing the dumplings: Once the dumplings are golden, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Dipping the dumplings in syrup:

Dipping the dumplings: Place the hot dumplings in the cold syrup, and stir well until the balls absorb the flavor of the syrup and acquire a beautiful shine.
Draining and serving: After dipping, remove the dumplings from the syrup using a hollow spoon, and place them on a serving plate.

Tips for crispy and golden dumplings:

Using starch in the dough: Adding a spoonful of starch to the dough gives the dumplings a crispy texture on the outside.
Achieving proper fermentation: Make sure to leave the dough to ferment well, until you get crispy and light dumplings.
Oil temperature: The oil should be hot when you start frying, but not to the point of smoking, so that the dumplings do not burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
Preparing the cold syrup: It is important that the syrup is cold so that it adheres to the dumplings and gives them a sweet taste without melting.

Benefits and disadvantages of Zalabia:

Benefits

• Rich in energy: Zalabia is a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate and sugar content, making it a suitable snack for an energy boost.
• Improves mood: Eating sweets in moderation may contribute to improving mood and feeling comfortable, thanks to the sweet flavors that positively affect the psychological state.

Disadvantages

• High calories: Zalabia contains a high percentage of fat and sugar, which may increase calories and lead to weight gain if eaten in large quantities.
• May affect heart health: Fried foods contain saturated fats that may negatively affect heart health if eaten in large quantities.

Creative ways to serve Zalabia:

Zalabia with chocolate: You can dip the Zalabia in chocolate sauce instead of syrup, to get a new flavor that chocolate lovers love.
Zalabia with honey: For lovers of natural flavors, you can use honey instead of syrup, which makes it lighter and more beneficial.
Zalabia with nuts: Add some chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds on top of the Zalabia after dipping them in syrup to add a special touch.

Suggested for you: Crepe Roll

Summary

Zalabia is a traditional dessert that remains a favorite across generations. How to make crispy Zalabia with simple touches and modifications, it can be prepared in innovative ways to suit all tastes. Try this recipe and serve it to your family and guests, and you will get delicious and crispy Zalabia that will impress everyone.