Kyrgyz Fried Bread with Honey and Walnuts
A delightful and simple Kyrgyz dessert or snack, this dish features pieces of fried dough drizzled generously with honey and sprinkled with chopped walnuts. It's a comforting and sweet treat often enjoyed with tea.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup Warm water
- 1 tsp Yeast (instant)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 0.5 cup Walnuts, chopped
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. - 2
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
💡 Tip: Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a better texture for the fried bread. - 3
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into bite-sized squares or strips.
💡 Tip: Uniform shapes will ensure even frying. - 4
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add the dough pieces, frying in batches until golden brown on both sides.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bread. - 5
Remove fried dough with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: Draining excess oil is crucial for a less greasy final product. - 6
Arrange the fried bread on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
💡 Tip: Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough.
- ✓If you don't have walnuts, almonds or pecans can be used as a substitute.
- ✓This can also be made with a store-bought biscuit dough in a pinch, though the texture will differ.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
- Serve with a dollop of thick yogurt or sour cream for a contrasting tang.
- For a savory twist, omit the honey and walnuts and serve with a side of stew.