Photo credit: Dikla Frances

Moroccan Sfenj Donuts Recipe

We can't get enough of these fried treats.

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Reprinted with permission from One Sarcastic Baker.

Moroccan sfenj are made with a simple dough, far more simple than making yeasted sufganiyot. They are fried and then covered in honey and/or sugar. It’s very popular with Moroccan Jews, and it’s also commonly made throughout North Africa and the Middle East. And it’s nearly impossible to eat just one.

Photo credit: Dikla Frances
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(Dikla Frances)

Moroccan Sfenj Donuts Recipe

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Moroccan sfenj are made with a simple dough, far easier than making yeasted sufganiyot. They are fried and then covered in honey and/or powdered sugar. It’s very popular with Moroccan Jews, and it’s also commonly made throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
  • 2 tsp dried yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1½ cups lukewarm water (360 ml)
  • vegetable oil
  • powdered sugar or honey, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt and sugar. Add the egg yolks and slowly drizzle in the water while mixing by hand.
  2. Knead until a sticky, smooth, soft dough has formed.
  3. Spray the dough with oil spray and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours.
  4. Grease a large cookie sheet with some vegetable oil. Set aside.
  5. Divide the dough into 15 parts, roll each piece into a ball, and place it on the greased cookie sheet. Cover the dough balls with a slightly damp kitchen towel for a second rise, about 30-60 minutes.
  6. Pour the vegetable oil into a wide, deep pan, about ½ full. Heat the oil to 340-400°F (I highly recommend investing in a candy thermometer). 
  7. Using your forefinger and thumb, create a hole in the center of each dough ball and place it gently into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side. The sfenj are ready when lightly golden. 
  8. Sprinkle the sfenj with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey and serve immediately.
  • Author: Dikla Frances
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours to rise
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
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