The Dobrudja dried fruits

Dobrogea Crisps: Crunchy Delights with Vanilla Flavor

When it comes to culinary traditions, few recipes bring as much joy and nostalgia as Dobrogea crisps. These crunchy, slightly sweet snacks flavored with vanilla are perfect for indulgent moments with loved ones or as a little treat during the day. Here’s how you can prepare them at home, step by step, and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g wheat flour
- 250 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 4 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- (optional) a pinch of yeast for a fluffier dough

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your dough. If you choose to use yeast, you can add it at this stage for fluffier crisps.

2. Adding the Oil: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the oil. Use a spatula or your hands to incorporate the oil into the flour, mixing constantly.

3. Adding the Flavors: Add the essences of rum and vanilla to the mixture. These will give the crisps an irresistible aroma. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using yeast, let the dough rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place.

Forming the Crisps

1. Rolling Out the Dough: Roll out the dough into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

2. Cutting the Crisps: With a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips 2 cm wide and 15-16 cm long. These dimensions are ideal for obtaining crunchy and easy-to-eat crisps.

3. Scoring the Crisps: Each strip is scored in the middle, and then you can create a bow by passing the dough through the score. This not only adds an attractive look but also helps with even baking.

Frying the Crisps

1. Heating the Oil: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. It is essential that the oil is hot enough to fry the crisps, but not so hot that it burns. You can test the oil temperature by placing a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

2. Frying: Carefully add the strips of dough to the hot oil. Make sure they 'swim' in the oil so that they brown evenly on all sides. Fry them until golden, then remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving the Crisps

1. Finishing: After removing the crisps from the oil and draining them, immediately sprinkle them with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, so they absorb the sweet flavors.

2. Serving Suggestions: Dobrogea crisps can be served warm or cold. They are delicious alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures.

Practical Tips

- Oil Care: Ensure that the oil is clean and well-filtered from previous dough remnants to maintain the fresh and clean taste of the crisps.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding, for example, cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a personalized touch.
- Storage: The crisps store well in an airtight container but are most delicious when consumed freshly fried.

Nutritional Values

A 100 g serving of Dobrogea crisps contains approximately 450 calories, consisting of carbohydrates, healthy fats from oil, and sugars. Although these snacks are delicious, it is advisable to consume them in moderation, considering their high calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the oil with butter?
While it is possible, oil provides a crunchier texture. Butter may make the crisps softer.

How can I prevent the crisps from drying out?
Make sure to store them in an airtight container and consume them within a few days to enjoy their crunchy texture.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, but adjustments to the proportions may be necessary.

I hope I’ve sparked your appetite to try this fantastic recipe for Dobrogea crisps! Making them is a truly satisfying ritual, and the results will surely make you return to this recipe again and again. Enjoy!