Crispy Azerbaijani Fried Bread

Ingredients

• 300 ml Warm milk (Should be about 37°C (body temperature))
• 3 g Active dry yeast (Approximately 1 tsp)
• 10 g Sugar (About 2 tsp, for yeast activation)
• 600 g All‑purpose flour (5 cups, sifted)
• 5 g Salt (About 1 tsp)
• 50 ml Vegetable oil (for dough) (3 tbsp, neutral flavor)
• 2 large Eggs (Room temperature)
• 30 g Butter (For greasing the layered pieces)
• 500 ml Sunflower oil (For deep‑frying, keep enough to submerge pieces)
• to taste Sugar or honey (optional, for serving) (Drizzle over hot fried bread)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast

   Pour the warm milk into a small bowl, add the yeast and sugar, stir gently and let it sit for 2‑3 minutes until slightly foamy.

   Time: PT5M

2. Make the dough

   In a large mixing bowl combine flour and salt, make a well, add the oil and eggs, then pour in the yeast mixture. Knead by hand for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic.

   Time: PT5M

3. First fermentation

   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

4. Divide and rest

   Punch down the dough, divide it into 6‑8 equal balls, place them on a lightly oiled tray, cover and let rest for another 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

5. Shape the pieces

   On a lightly floured surface roll each ball into a rectangle about 6 cm wide. Stack the rectangles, brush the top with softened butter, and gently stretch the stack with your hands to make it a little larger. Cut the stacked dough into desired lengths (about 8‑10 cm).

   Time: PT15M

6. Final proof

   Arrange the cut pieces on a tray, cover loosely and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before frying.

   Time: PT15M

7. Fry the bread

   Heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan to about 180°C. Carefully place a few pieces in the oil, using two forks to gently separate the layers as they fry. Cook 2‑3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 180°C

8. Serve

   While still warm, drizzle with sugar or honey as desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container; the bread stays crispy for a few days.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

2 g