This recipe is a hidden gem—simple, budget-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. Using just flour, boiling water, salt, and a touch of oil, you’ll create a dough that fries up into golden, puffy pastries with a tender inside and crisp exterior. These are perfect as a savory side, a base for toppings, or even a sweet treat with a sprinkle of sugar. Think of them as a cross between flatbread and fried dumplings—easy to make, hard to resist.
🧂 Ingredients:
- 350g all-purpose flour
- 175 ml boiling water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 ml vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped herbs (parsley, scallions, cilantro)
- Spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
- Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for texture
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. The hot water will partially cook the flour, creating a soft, pliable dough.
- Add the vegetable oil and continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.
- Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, dust with a little extra flour.
2. Rest the Dough
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 20–30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier.
3. Shape the Pastries
- Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, flatten each ball into a disc about 4–5 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or press with your hands.
- For extra flair, sprinkle herbs or seeds onto the discs and gently press them in.
4. Fry to Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to shallow-fry the pastries—about 1–2 cm deep.
- Carefully place one or two discs into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with dips like garlic yogurt, hummus, or spicy chutney.
- For a sweet twist, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey and cinnamon.
- These pastries also make a great base for toppings—think avocado, cheese, or sautéed veggies.
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Make it tropical: Add shredded coconut and a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a sweet island-style treat.
- Sugar-free snack: Pair with a sugar-free tomato salsa or herb dip for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Party-ready: Cut smaller discs and serve with a trio of dips for a festive appetizer platter.
These pastries are a celebration of simplicity and flavor—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles and second helpings.
Want to turn this into a themed platter or explore more tropical or nostalgic twists? I’ve got ideas galore!