Sfenj Donuts Recipe – Moroccan Beignets
Sfenj is a traditional Maghreb beignet, famous for its crispy exterior and incredibly light, airy interior. Unlike classic donuts, its very soft dough is shaped into rustic rings that puff up during frying, creating generous air bubbles. Perfect alongside mint tea or coffee, these beignets can be enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or drizzled with honey. In this detailed recipe, you will master the double-frying technique to achieve perfect sfenj every time. With a sticky and moist dough, adequate resting time, and the right handling, you will get golden, light, and crispy beignets that will transport your taste buds. Whether for a family snack or a party, these sfenj will delight young and old with their unique texture and subtly sweet flavor.
Double Compartment 9L Air Fryer – 8-in-1
€69.99
Pros:
- Two independent baskets for simultaneous cooking
- Smart Finish technology for synchronized cooking end time
- Intuitive touchscreen with automatic programs
Con:
- Takes up more countertop space
- 1
Prepare the starter: In a large bowl, pour 2 cups of warm water. Add salt, sugar, white vinegar, and baker's yeast. Mix well to dissolve.
- 2
Make the dough: Gradually add flour in stages. First incorporate 2 cups of flour, then the third cup of warm water, and continue adding flour until you obtain a very soft, sticky, and elastic dough. Work it in circular motions to trap air.
- 3
Rest the dough: Drizzle oil over the dough to prevent a crust. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place for about 1h30, until it doubles or triples in volume.
- 4
Shaping: Generously oil your hands. Take a ball of dough the size of a mandarin. Use your thumbs to make a hole in the center and gently stretch to form a ring.
- 5
Double frying technique: Heat two pans: the first with a thin layer of oil (1 cm) over medium heat, the second with a deeper oil bath over high heat. Place the beignet in the first pan to sear.
- 6
Final browning: Once the underside is firm, transfer the sfenj to the second pan. Spoon hot oil over the top to help it puff. Turn it to brown evenly.
- 7
Drain and serve: Remove the beignets and place on paper towels. Serve immediately while still hot.
- The secret of good sfenj lies in the moisture of the dough. It should be very sticky and difficult to handle without oil on your hands. If the dough is too firm, the beignets will be heavy.
- Adding a little white vinegar helps the dough absorb less oil during frying and gives extra crispiness.
- Although delicious plain, sfenj are traditionally dipped in warm honey or sprinkled with granulated sugar.
- If the beignets soften, reheat them for a few seconds in a warm oven (turned off) or in a toaster to restore their crispiness.
Join the Cuisine Délice community!
Join Cuisine Délice on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to discover our gourmet videos, cooking tips, and many other mouth-watering recipes in pictures!
Similar Recipes
No-bake Lotus cheesecake recipe: creamy texture, caramelized flavor. Preparation 20 min, resting 4h. Perfect for Ramadan and special occasions. Easy and quick dessert.
French bread pizza gratin recipe: 10 min prep, 12 min baking. Tasty topping with tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, peppers. Perfect appetizer or quick meal. Tips and variations included.
Discover our recipe for a soft apple and almond cake, indulgent and flavorful. An easy preparation for a melt-in-your-mouth result. Perfect for tea time or dessert.