Chak-Chak
HB-0439 · Hand-built original · Kyrgyz
Meet Chak-Chak, the glorious sweet treat that graces every Kyrgyz celebration table. Crisp little nuggets of fried dough are bathed in a warm, glossy syrup of honey and sugar, then heaped into a golden mound that is as pretty as it is moreish. Sticky, crunchy and very sweet, it is the sort of thing you reach for again and again. Perfect for festive gatherings or simply as a delicious afternoon nibble with a pot of tea.
KyrgyzDessert1–2 servingsVegetarianDairy-free
Main ingredient: flour
Pairs well with: coffee, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, whipped cream
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 7 oz plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch salt
- 6½ Tbsp honey
- 3½ oz sugar
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts and dried fruit, to decorate (optional)
Method
- Beat the eggs with the salt, add the flour, and knead to a firm, smooth dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll the dough out to about ¼ in thick and cut into strips ¾ in wide, then cut the strips into ¾ in pieces.
- Heat the oil to 340°F in a deep pan. Fry the dough pieces in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until puffed and deep golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Put the honey and sugar in a large pan with 2 tablespoons water and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup just begins to colour.
- Take off the heat, add all the fried pieces, and toss quickly until every piece is coated.
- Tip onto a wetted plate and, with wet hands, press into a mound. Scatter with nuts and dried fruit if using, leave to set for 30 minutes, and serve in pieces.
Nutrition not computed — the source recipe data produced an implausible result and is flagged for review.