🍩 Uštipci (Serbian-style Fried Dough Balls)
Ingredients
-
3 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 packet (7 g / 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
-
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
-
Optional for serving: powdered sugar, jam, honey, or feta cheese
Instructions
-
Activate the yeast:
-
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
-
-
Make the dough:
-
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and oil. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
-
Knead lightly for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
-
Let the dough rise:
-
Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
-
-
Shape and fry:
-
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet (about 2–3 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C).
-
Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
-
-
Drain & serve:
-
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
-
Serve warm, either dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey/jam, or with a side of feta cheese for a savory twist.
-
Tips & Variations
-
Sweet version: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
-
Savory version: Mix in finely chopped feta or herbs into the dough before frying.
-
Mini version: Make small bite-sized uštipci for easy snacking or party platters.
If you want, I can give a super fluffy, “restaurant-style” uštipci recipe that makes them pillowy on the inside and perfectly crisp outside, which is how they’re traditionally served in Serbia.
Do you want me to do that?
