Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Plastic wrap
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the warm water, warm milk, eggs, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, add the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts and knead until they are evenly distributed.
6. Heat the deep fryer or large pot of oil to 375°F.
7. Pinch off small pieces of dough and shape them into rings or balls.
8. Carefully drop the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the sfenj from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 sfenj
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 240
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Total sugars: 8g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chocolate chips, you can use chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate.
- Instead of hazelnuts, you can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Variations:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
- Dip the sfenj in melted chocolate or caramel for an extra decadent treat.
- Roll the sfenj in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for a sweet coating.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the fryer or pot with too many sfenj at once, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy sfenj.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the sfenj from the oil to avoid burning yourself.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover sfenj in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sfenj in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sfenj on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water or milk.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the sfenj are not cooking evenly, adjust the oil temperature or the size of the dough pieces.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and surfaces when handling the dough and frying the sfenj. Use caution when working with hot oil.
Food history:
Sfenj is a traditional Moroccan doughnut that is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of chocolate chips and hazelnuts adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the doughy sfenj.
Serving suggestions:
Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and indulgent treat.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Moroccan
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chocolatey