Kurdish Fried Bread (Nawsaji)

Kurdish Fried Bread, also known as Nawsaji, is a delightful traditional delicacy perfect for any meal of the day. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or stuffed with cheese. Often paired with homemade yogurt and sweet tea, this bread brings a taste of Kurdish comfort right to your table. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a slice of Kurdish culinary tradition today.

Ingredients

🥣 4 cups of flour
🍞 1/2 tablespoon yeast
🧂 1/2 tablespoon salt
🫒 1 tablespoon of olive oil
🌾 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
🌑 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
💧 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (add 1 to 2 more tablespoons if the dough is dry)
🛢️ 2 cups oil for frying

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 1/2 tablespoon of yeast, and 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix in 1 tablespoon each of sesame and black sesame seeds.
Gradually pour in 1 and 1/3 cups of warm water. If the dough feels dry, add additional water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes.

2- Let it Rise:

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm area.
Allow the dough to rise for at least one hour or until it has doubled in size. For convenience, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight.

3- Shape and Fry:

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air pockets.
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a flat circle.
Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
Fry the bread pieces in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the fried bread to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4- Serve:

Enjoy the Nawsaji warm, accompanying it with cheese, homemade yogurt, or your favorite breakfast beverages like sweet tea.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per Serving: Approximately 250
Nutritional Information per Serving: Protein: 6g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 25g
Equipment: Mixing bowl, kitchen towel, deep frying pan