Awwami Crisp Donut Balls Middle East Palestine
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Awwami, also known as crisp donut balls, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert hailing from Palestinian kitchens. These golden, bite-sized delights are made with a simple batter of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and yeast, fried to perfection for an irresistibly crispy exterior and airy interior. What truly sets this treat apart is its soak in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with a hint of lemon and optional orange blossom water, adding a sweet and aromatic finish to every bite. Perfect for sharing during festivities or paired with a cup of tea, these donut balls are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Try this Awwami recipe and bring the flavors of Palestine to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup Water (for syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the sugar syrup. Combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture starts to boil, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 7-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then stir in 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water if using. Set aside to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add 1.5 cups of warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk until a smooth, sticky batter forms. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
Wet your hands lightly or use a small spoon to shape small portions of the dough into balls. Drop them carefully into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry the donut balls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
Remove the fried donut balls from the oil and transfer them directly into the cooled syrup. Soak for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a serving plate with a slotted spoon.
Repeat the frying and soaking process with the remaining dough. Serve the Awwami warm or at room temperature, garnished with a drizzle of extra syrup if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1639 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.8 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.9 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 89.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 328 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.7 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.5 g | ||
| Protein | 4.8 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 46 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
