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Zainab’s Fingers (Asabe Zainab)

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time40 minsCook Time5 minsTotal Time45 mins

Asabe zainab, which translates to "Zainab's fingers", is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is crunchy on the outside and soft from inside. It is typically served during the holy month of Ramadan.

 1 cup flour
 2 cups fine semolina
 1 tbsp baking powder
 1/2 tsp anise seeds, ground
 1 tsp instant yeast
 1 tbsp sugar
 1/4 tsp salt
 2 tbsp olive oil
 1/2 cup warm water (for dough)
 1 cup sugar syrup
 vegetable oil for deep fry
1

Mix flour, semolina, yeast, sugar, anise, salt and baking powder in a bowl.

2

Add olive oil and mix with fingertips until the mixture becomes like crumbs.

3

Add the water gradually and knead by hand until the dough texture becomes soft and smooth.

4

Cover the dough and leave it for 15 minutes.

5

Make small balls of dough, then with your finger press the piece of dough gently into the grater and roll it to create a shape for the balls.

6

Heat the oil. Deep fry in hot oil and stir for a few minutes until golden brown.

7

Put in cold syrup for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0