Zangula (Zengoula)

זנגולה

IraqMizrahiHanukkah Pareve 120 min 8 servings Medium

A lacy spiral of yeasted fried dough soaked in fragrant syrup, Zangula is one of the festive Iraqi Jewish sweets associated with Hanukkah. The pastry is crisp outside, airy inside, and often perfumed with rosewater or cardamom.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater or orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk the flour, cornstarch, yeast, sugar, cardamom, and salt in a bowl.

  2. 2

    Gradually add the warm water and whisk into a thick, smooth batter; cover and let rise until bubbly, about 1 hour.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, make the syrup by simmering the sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice for 5 to 7 minutes; stir in the rosewater and cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).

  5. 5

    Transfer the batter to a piping bag or squeeze bottle.

  6. 6

    Pipe the batter directly into the hot oil in tight spiral shapes, frying a few at a time.

  7. 7

    Cook until deep golden on both sides, turning once if needed.

  8. 8

    Lift the hot pastries out of the oil and immediately dip them in the scented syrup for 20 to 30 seconds.

  9. 9

    Drain briefly and serve while still crisp.

Kosher notes

Naturally pareve when fried in fresh vegetable oil and made without butter. Use clean oil if preparing alongside other holiday foods.

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Global Jewish Kitchen — recipes are labeled meat, dairy, or pareve. We are not a kashrut agency. Customs differ. Ask your rabbi.