Desserts > Moroccan > Sfenj

Sfenj with Orange Zest and Raisins Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Zest of 1 orange

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and orange zest. Mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix well.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Heat the deep fryer or large pot with vegetable oil to 350°F.

6. Using a spoon, scoop out a small amount of dough and shape it into a ring. Repeat until all the dough is used.

7. Carefully place the rings into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Remove the sfenj from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

9. Serve warm and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 12 sfenj.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of dried fruit instead of raisins.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest.

Variations:
- Instead of raisins, you can use chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the sfenj to ensure they cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the pot when frying the sfenj.
- You can dust the sfenj with powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.

Storage instructions:
- Store the sfenj in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sfenj, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sfenj on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and orange slices.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Orange slices

Pairings:
- Moroccan mint tea
- Coffee

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is not too hot to avoid burning the sfenj.
- Use caution when handling hot oil.

Food history:
- Sfenj is a traditional Moroccan doughnut that is typically served during Ramadan.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and slightly spiced with a hint of citrus.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of Moroccan mint tea for a traditional Moroccan treat.

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Region: Moroccan

Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Nutty, Spiced