Zalabia (Lebanese Sweet Fritters)

Zalabia (Lebanese sweet fritters) are a traditional deep fried treats that are made of fermented dough.

Ingredients

• 21/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons whole anise seeds
• 1 tablespoon powdered milk
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 11/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 3 cups canola oil, for deep frying

Prep: 5 Minutes
Cook: 120 Minutes
Servings: 22

Directions

• In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, dry yeast, sesame seeds, anise seeds, milk and oil.
• Add the lukewarm water.  Mix and knead thoroughly with the palm of your hands.  Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside for one hour or until the dough doubles in size.
• Divide the dough into equal balls roughly the size of an egg (about 22 balls)
• Roll each ball into a snack shape (about 15cm/6 inches long) with the palm of your hands.
• Using a rolling pin, lightly flatten each to 1.5 cm/ about ½ inch thick.
• With your finger, pierce creating 3 holes per dough.  Set aside for 25 minutes.
• Heat the oil to an adequate frying temperature and deep fry the dough in batches to a golden color.  Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Enjoy.