Zalabya (Middle Eastern Sweet Fritters)

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Active dry yeast

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons, plus more for frying

Warm water

1 1/2 cups, or as needed

Sugar syrup

1 cup

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is resting, prepare your frying station. Heat a sufficient amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
5. Using wet hands, take small portions of the dough (about the size of a ping pong ball) and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry the dough balls until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove the fried dough from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. While still warm, dip the fried dough into the sugar syrup, ensuring each fritter is fully coated.
9. Serve your homemade Zalabya warm and enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness!