Balah el Sham (Egyptian Choux Pastry)

May 14, 2023May 14, 20230 2
Delicious Balah el Sham recipe for your sweet tooth craving
in Pastry

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3 cups water , divided
2 cups white sugar , divided
1 lime , juiced
2 teaspoons vanilla extract , divided
2 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 cups corn oil

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10
Calories
540
Sugar
33g
Fat
32g
Balah el Sham, also known as Egyptian Choux Pastry, is a sweet, fried pastry commonly eaten in Egypt and some Middle Eastern countries. It is made from a dough mixture of flour, eggs, and oil, and then piped into the fryer. The result is a crispy, golden brown ball with a hollow center. It is then filled with flavored syrup, which gives it a unique sweetness. Balah el Sham is usually served with tea or coffee and is enjoyed as a morning pastry or a dessert.

Instructions

1.Preheat a deep fryer or a pot filled halfway with corn oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
3.In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil then immediately remove from heat.
4.Add the flour all at once to the sugar-oil mixture and stir until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
5.Now add the syrup to the dough and stir until fully combined. The dough will deflate but this is normal.
6.Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a medium size, round piping tip. Pipe the dough into hot oil in a circular pattern, starting from the center and moving outward to make multiple layers (about 4-5 times) until you get a smooth ball. Cut the end of the dough using kitchen scissors to release it into the fryer.
7.Fry the balah el Sham until golden brown. Remove from the fryer and place on paper towels to drain. Serve immediately.

PROS

Balah el Sham is a delicious sweet pastry that can be served for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack.
It is relatively easy to make and its unique texture and taste are sure to delight your taste buds.
The recipe is customizable, and you can adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.

CONS

This pastry is high in calories and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Also, the preparation process can be messy and require some skill to achieve the desired shape and layers.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Balah el Sham contains some vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and Vitamin C. However, it is important to note that the high sugar content of this pastry outweighs any potential health benefits.

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