Baursaki
Baursaki are small, deep-fried dough balls, a beloved traditional pastry in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. They are often served during celebrations and holidays, and can be sweet or savory.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 ml Warm milk
- 7 g Yeast(dry active yeast)
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for the dough, plus more for frying)
- 1 Egg(optional, for richness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and the optional egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
💡 Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a tablespoon of milk. - 3
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out to about 1 cm (0.5 inch) thickness and cut into small diamond or square shapes.
💡 Tip: You can also roll the dough into small balls. - 5
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
💡 Tip: Test the oil temperature with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle immediately. - 6
Carefully fry the baursaki in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy baursaki. - 7
Remove the fried baursaki with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Baursaki are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a slightly sweet version, you can dust the warm baursaki with powdered sugar.
- ✓If you prefer a savory flavor, reduce the sugar in the dough to 1 teaspoon and consider adding a pinch of cumin or herbs.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough for a richer texture.
- For a quicker version, use store-bought biscuit dough, cut into pieces, and fry.