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Authentic Algerian Khfaf Recipe | Traditional Kabyle Sfenj
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Authentic Algerian Khfaf Recipe (Kabyle Sfenj)

A traditional Algerian recipe for crispy, airy, and fluffy fried dough pastries (Sfenj) with nigella seeds, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
مدة الإعداد 20 دقائق
مدة الطبخ 15 دقائق
Resting Time 1 دقيقة
الوقت الكلي 1 ساعة 35 دقائق
الحصص: 8 donuts
وجبة: breakfast, Dessert, Snack
مطبخ: algerian, Mediterranean, North African, الجزائر
الكالوري: 210

المقادير
  

2 cups Fine Semolina (or All-Purpose Flour) 2 cups All-Purpose Flour 1 tbsp Instant Dry Yeast 1 tbsp Sugar 1.5 tsp Salt 1 tbsp Nigella Seeds (Black Seeds - optional for Kabyle style) 1.5 to 2 cups Warm Water (as needed for a sticky dough) Vegetable oil for deep frying and shaping

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine fine semolina, flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and nigella seeds.
  2. Slowly add warm water while mixing with your hands or a stand mixer until a soft, sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead and beat the dough vigorously for 8–10 minutes, gradually adding small splashes of water to keep it soft and high-hydration.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size and full of air bubbles.
  5. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Generously oil your hands, grab a portion of dough (about the size of an orange), smooth it into a ball, and stretch it out from the center to form a large round flat disk.
  7. Gently place the stretched dough into the hot oil. Immediately spoon hot oil continuously over the top until it inflates.
  8. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with honey or sugar alongside mint tea.

ملاحظات

Dough Consistency: The dough must remain very wet and sticky. Do not add extra flour, as a dense dough will prevent the Khfaf from puffing up.
Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at medium-high heat (around 180°C / 350°F). If the oil is too hot, the inside won't cook properly; if it's too cool, the dough will absorb too much oil.
Serving Tip: Khfaf is best enjoyed hot, immediately after frying. If you have leftovers, reheat them briefly in a dry skillet or oven to regain crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Serving - 1 Donut):
Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 4.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 1 g