If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack that’s easy to make with simple ingredients, these Crispy Fried Dough Bites with Chocolate and Nuts are the perfect treat! With a crispy outer layer and a soft, slightly chewy inside, these bites are great for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with family and friends. This recipe requires only a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, and vegetable oil, making it a go-to option when you’re short on ingredients but still want something delicious. To take it to the next level, you can drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle some crushed peanuts or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 glass of boiling water (200 ml)
• 1/2 spoon of sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 2.5 cups of wheat flour (250 g)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional Toppings:

• Melted chocolate (for drizzling)
• Crushed peanuts or hazelnuts (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Boil Water: Start by boiling 1 glass of water (200 ml). Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiling water, 1/2 spoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the 2.5 cups of wheat flour into the hot water mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth.
4. Knead the Dough: Once the dough cools slightly, knead it with your hands until it’s soft and elastic. It should be easy to shape, but not sticky. Add more flour if necessary.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

1. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Cut Into Pieces: Cut the dough into small bite-sized squares or rectangles, or you can roll it into little balls for a fun shape.

Step 3: Fry the Dough

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the dough bites. The oil should be around 170-180°C (338-356°F).
2. Fry the Dough Bites: Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes per batch. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, remove the dough bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Add Optional Toppings

1. Melt the Chocolate: If you want to add chocolate, melt your preferred chocolate (dark, milk, or white) in the microwave or over a double boiler.
2. Drizzle the Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the fried dough bites.
3. Add Nuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or hazelnuts on top for an extra crunchy and nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips:

1. Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, avoid putting too many dough bites in the pan at once. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy, undercooked dough.
2. Consistency of the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water to reach the right consistency.
3. Temperature of Oil: To test if your oil is hot enough for frying, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
4. Vary the Toppings: For a more indulgent treat, try different toppings like caramel, cinnamon sugar, or coconut flakes. You can also dip them into jams or honey.

Storage Tips:

1. At Room Temperature: Store the fried dough bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose a bit of their crispiness, but you can reheat them in the oven to refresh their texture.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the bites in an oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
3. Freezing: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked dough pieces. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once they’re firm. Fry them straight from the freezer without thawing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150 mg

The nutritional content will vary depending on how much oil is absorbed during frying and whether you add chocolate or nuts for extra flavor.

 

FAQs:

Q: Can I bake these dough bites instead of frying?
A: Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the dough bites in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush them with a little oil to help them crisp up.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I use different flour?
A: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture might change slightly.

Q: Can I add other flavors to the dough?
A: Yes, you can add a variety of flavors to the dough itself, such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even cocoa powder, depending on your taste preferences.

 

Conclusion:

These Crispy Fried Dough Bites with Chocolate and Nuts are the perfect solution for when you want to whip up a quick, delicious snack that satisfies your cravings. With a crispy exterior and a soft inside, these dough bites are versatile and can be topped with your favorite ingredients. Whether you drizzle them with melted chocolate and sprinkle nuts on top or keep them simple with just a dash of sugar, these treats are sure to be a hit.

Easy to make and even easier to customize, they can be served as a dessert, snack, or even as a fun activity for family gatherings. Best of all, they use basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making them a budget-friendly option as well. Give them a try, and enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness!