Zlabia (Algerian Honey Syrup Fritter Spirals)
Local name: زلابية
In short: Crisp golden spirals of yeasted batter fried in hot oil and dipped in orange blossom honey syrup, a classic Algerian sweet for Ramadan evenings. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Zlabia are fine, crisp spirals of fried batter soaked in sweet syrup, and in Algeria they are the sweet of Ramadan evenings, bought warm from stalls or made at home in big batches. The thin yeasted batter is squeezed in loops into hot oil, fried until golden and crunchy, then dipped in a honey and orange blossom syrup. They are sticky, crisp and very sweet, so they are usually served with strong coffee or mint tea.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, cornstarch, yeast, salt and turmeric in a bowl. Add the warm water gradually and whisk to a smooth, thin batter that flows in a steady stream. Cover and leave for 1 hour until bubbly.
- For the syrup, simmer the sugar, water and lemon juice for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly thickened. Stir in the honey and orange blossom water and keep it warm.
- Fill a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a hole about 4 mm (1/8 in) wide with the batter.
- Heat the oil in a wide shallow pan to 175°C (350°F). Squeeze the batter directly into the oil in spirals of 3 loops, each about 8 cm (3 in) across.
- Fry for about 1 minute per side until crisp and golden, then lift out with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- While still hot, dip each spiral in the warm syrup for 20 to 30 seconds. Lift out, drain on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Batter consistency decides the shape. If it is too thick the spirals break, and if it is too thin they spread. Add a spoonful of water or flour to adjust.
- Keep the syrup warm and fairly thin so it soaks in without making the pastries soggy. If the zlabia turn limp, they stayed in the syrup too long.
Questions and answers
How long do zlabia stay crisp?
They are best within a few hours. Store them in an airtight tin for up to 2 days and re-crisp in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5 minutes.
Why are my zlabia not crisp?
The oil may be too cool, the spirals too thick or the dipping too long. Fry at 175°C (350°F), pipe thin lines and dip for no more than 30 seconds.
Can I make zlabia without yeast?
Yes. Replace the yeast with 1/2 tsp baking powder and skip the resting time. The texture will be a little softer.
How long does it take to make Zlabia (Algerian Honey Syrup Fritter Spirals)?
About 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Zlabia (Algerian Honey Syrup Fritter Spirals)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 62 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
