Ukraine · Flour and Confectionery Products
Khvorost (Ukrainian Fried Pastry)
Khvorost is a Ukrainian fried pastry: thin, crisp strips of dough twisted into a bow and dusted with powdered sugar (the Poles make the same thing and call it chruściki or faworki).
Ingredients
- wheat flour500 g
- eggs4
- milk3 tbsp
- brandy2 tbsp
- powdered sugar2 tbsp
- salt0.5 tsp
- vegetable oil for frying500 ml
- powdered sugar for dusting30 g
Method
- 1Sift flour into a large bowl. Add powdered sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly, then add milk and brandy. Gradually pour the liquid into the flour, mixing first with a spoon then by hand, until the dough comes together into a firm, slightly dry ball.
- 2Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough is very smooth, elastic, and firm. Shape into a ball, cover with a towel, and rest 30 minutes.
- 3Divide the rested dough into several portions. Roll each portion as thin as possible (1–2 mm) on a floured surface — the thinner, the crispier. Cut into strips about 3×10 cm. Make a slit in the middle of each strip and pull one end through the slit to form a twist.
- 4Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 160–170 °C. No thermometer: a scrap of dough dropped in should rise and sizzle within 2 seconds. The oil should be deep enough for the khvorost to float freely. Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes, turning constantly, until light golden on both sides.
- 5Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.