Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup finely chopped apples
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped apples.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
7. Fry the ponchiki for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ponchiki from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Dust the ponchiki with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 24 ponchiki
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar.
- Any type of milk can be used in place of regular milk.
- Pears or peaches can be substituted for apples.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the ponchiki before serving.
- Dip the ponchiki in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to chop the apples finely so that they cook through in the frying process.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure that each ponchiki is the same size.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying to ensure that the ponchiki cook evenly.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover ponchiki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the ponchiki in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the ponchiki on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Apple slices
Pairings:
- Hot apple cider
- Coffee or tea
- Sparkling apple cider
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Bacon or sausage
- Scrambled eggs
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the ponchiki are not cooking through, lower the heat of the oil to prevent burning.
- If the ponchiki are too oily, let them drain on a paper towel for a few extra minutes before serving.
Food Safety Advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Be sure to cook the ponchiki thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food History:
Ponchiki are a traditional Russian pastry that are typically filled with jam or sweet cheese. This recipe puts a fall twist on the classic pastry by adding apples and cinnamon.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, cinnamon-spiced dough with bursts of tart apple flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these warm, freshly fried ponchiki as a sweet breakfast treat or as a dessert after dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Russian
Taste: Sweet, Cinnamon, Fruity, Nutty, Cinnamon-Spiced