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Golden Palestinian Dough Balls in Sweet Syrup

Yields10 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time50 mins

Delight in these small, round dough balls fried until golden and crispy, then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving.

A plate of golden, crispy dough balls glistening with syrup, garnished with crushed pistachios.

Dough Ingredients
 2 all-purpose flour
 1 tbsp active dry yeast
 1 cup warm water
 1 tbsp sugar
 1 tsp salt
 1 tbsp olive oil
Syrup Ingredients
 1 cup sugar
 1 cup water
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 1 tsp rose water
Garnish
 1 tbsp crushed pistachios
Prepare the Dough
1

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

2

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

3

Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Syrup
5

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.

6

Add lemon juice and rose water, stirring well. Remove from heat and let cool.

Fry the Dough Balls
7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and pinch off small pieces (about the size of a golf ball).

8

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the dough balls in batches, turning until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes each.

9

Remove the fried dough balls and drain on paper towels briefly.

Soak and Serve
10

While still warm, dip the fried dough balls into the cooled syrup, allowing them to soak for a few seconds.

11

Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with crushed pistachios, and serve warm.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

3 dough balls


Amount per serving
Calories150
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g7%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 100mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 24g9%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 9g
Includes 8g Added Sugars16%
Protein 2g

Vitamin A 0mcg0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 5mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 90mg2%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Vitamin E 0mg0%
Vitamin K 0mcg0%
Thiamin 0.1mg9%
Riboflavin 0.1mg8%
Niacin 0.5mg4%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg6%
Folate 5mcg2%
Vitamin B12 0mg0%
Biotin 0mcg0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.2mg4%
Phosphorus 20mg2%
Iodine 0mcg0%
Magnesium 5mg2%
Zinc 0.5mg5%
Selenium 0mcg0%
Copper 0.1mg12%
Manganese 0.1mg5%
Chromium 0mcg0%
Molybdenum 0mcg0%
Chloride 0mg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.