Love Balls (Aka Astarpungar in Iceland)

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 1
Love Balls – a Delicious Icelandic Pastry
in Pastry

Prep

15 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

25 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 eggs
5 tablespoons sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cardamom ( freshly ground or may sub 2 tsp grated lemon zest )
6 1/2 ounces milk ( See prep step # 2 )
5 tablespoons raisins ( chopped if at all lrg )
vegetable oil ( for frying )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
304
Sugar
16g
Fat
16g
Love Balls, also known as Astarpungar, are a popular pastry in Iceland, often served with coffee or hot chocolate. These small, deep-fried balls of dough are similar in appearance to donut holes, but have a denser, chewy texture. They are sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom, a spice that is commonly used in Scandinavian baking. Raisins are also added to the dough for a touch of sweetness and texture. Love Balls are a fun and tasty treat that can be enjoyed anytime you want a little taste of Iceland.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2.In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
3.Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, adding the milk a little at a time to form a thick batter.
4.Stir in the chopped raisins and mix well.
5.Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
6.Using a spoon, shape the batter into small balls and drop them into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
7.Fry the Love Balls until golden brown on all sides, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8.Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

PROS

Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, these Love Balls are a delightful Icelandic delicacy that is sure to please.

They are quick and easy to make, and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.

CONS

As with all deep-fried foods, these Love Balls are high in calories and fat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not particularly healthy, Love Balls do contain some beneficial nutrients.
Cardamom, which is used to flavor these pastries, has been shown to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and may have cancer-fighting properties.
Raisins are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, although they are high in natural sugars.

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