Recipe: Boiling Water Dough Pastries
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup boiling water
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the flour mixture while stirring continuously with a spoon or fork. The boiling water will begin to cook the flour, making the dough easier to handle and giving it a pre-cooked texture that’s excellent for frying.
- Once the mixture begins to come together, use your hands (careful if the mixture is still hot) to knead it into a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Divide and Shape:
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a flat, round disc. You can use a rolling pin or press with your hands.
- Fry the Pastries:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You need enough oil to submerge the pastries partially or fully, depending on your preference for deep frying or shallow frying.
- Carefully place one or two dough discs in the hot oil. Fry them until they puff up and turn golden brown on both sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the pastries with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serving Suggestions:
- These pastries can be enjoyed hot and fresh as they are, or you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
- They also pair beautifully with savory dips like hummus or garlic yogurt sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- The key to perfect pastries is getting the oil temperature right. If the oil is too hot, the pastries will brown too quickly without cooking through. Too cool, and they will absorb oil and become greasy.
- Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough mixture for additional flavors, like chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
These simple yet delightful pastries are not only easy to make but also versatile, serving as a blank canvas for various flavors and pairings. Whether for a quick snack or part of a larger meal, they’re sure to impress with their puffy texture and golden finish.
