Zalabi

Zalabi, also known as Zellaby, is a beloved Kurdish and Middle Eastern dessert, perfect for special occasions like Ramadan. This treat is known for its light, crispy texture and sweet syrup coating that makes it an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Follow this simple recipe to create a delightful sweet treat that’s sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Batter:
🌾 1 cup of flour
🌽 1 cup of cornstarch
🥛 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt (mast)
🫒 3 tablespoons of oil
🍞 1 teaspoon of yeast
💧 1 1/4 cups of water

For the Simple Syrup:
🍬 8 cups of sugar
💧 4 cups of water
🍋 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice

Instructions

1- Prepare the Simple Syrup:

In a large pot, combine 8 cups of sugar with 4 cups of water and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and let it gently boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool completely. Set aside.

2- Make the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, yogurt, oil, and yeast.
Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of water, mixing continuously until you achieve a smooth batter.
Cover the batter and let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.

3- Prepare for Frying:

Transfer the rested batter into a clean squeeze bottle or an old, thoroughly cleaned ketchup bottle.
Fill a pot with oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches the desired frying temperature.

4- Fry the Zalabi:

Carefully squeeze the batter into the hot oil in spiral shapes, resembling little funnel cakes.
Fry the Zalabi until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 1 minute.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly from the oil into the cooled simple syrup.

5- Serve:

After soaking briefly in the syrup, remove the Zalabi and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess syrup.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
Equipment: Mixing bowl, whisk, squeeze bottle, large pot, slotted spoon

Calories, Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates: Nutritional information will vary; consult a nutritional calculator for precise data.