Iran · Iran

Zoolbia (Iranian Saffron Fritter)

Name: Zoolbia (Iranian Saffron Fritter)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Iran
Ingredients: cornstarch 250 g; all-purpose flour 100 g; saffron 1 g; rose water 30 ml; sugar 300 g; lemon juice 60 ml; yogurt 100 ml; vegetable oil 500 ml

Crisp saffron dough rings soaked in rose and lemon syrup.

55 minutes · 8 servings · Moderate

Zoolbia is made for a specific occasion, the breaking of the fast at Ramadan, when it is sold in enormous quantities on the streets and eaten hot. The dough is meant to form a lacy ring rather than a solid one, which depends on how loosely it is shaped. The syrup is poured over while both are still hot, and the contrast of crunch and soak is the whole experience.

Ingredients

cornstarch250 g
all-purpose flour100 g
saffron1 g
rose water30 ml
sugar300 g
lemon juice60 ml
yogurt100 ml
vegetable oil500 ml

Directions

1
Dissolve sugar in water with rose water, saffron and lemon; simmer 8 minutes.
2
Mix starch, flour, yogurt, saffron and oil; rest 10 minutes.
3
Shape dough into rings.
4
Fry at 170C for 4 minutes until golden.
rings are golden and crisp
5
Soak in syrup 10 minutes; drain.

Source: WorldBite Editorial · WorldBite Proprietary Editorial Content