Youyou Dream Donuts

Tunisian Youyou is a traditional dessert that combines the crispiness of fried dough with the aromatic sweetness of honey syrup. These golden, deep-fried doughnuts are infused with orange blossom water and orange zest, then soaked in a fragrant syrup made with honey, sugar, and a touch of lemon. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or any time you're craving something sweet and satisfying.

At Mona’s Farm, we’re committed to providing the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, so you can recreate authentic Tunisian dishes like Youyou in your own kitchen. From fresh oranges to fragrant orange blossom water, we have everything you need to bring the flavors of Tunisia to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange (zest finely chopped)

• 250 ml frying oil

• 1/2 pouch baking powder

• 2 tbsp orange blossom water

• 650 g sugar

• 350 g flour

• 3 eggs

• 1 pouch vanilla sugar

• 1/2 tsp potato starch

• 1/4 lemon (juice)

• 3 tbsp honey

  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan, pour 2 glasses of water. Add 650 g of sugar, lemon juice, and finely chopped orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer on medium for 20 minutes. This creates the fragrant syrup that will coat the doughnuts.

Step 2: Add Honey to the Syrup

After simmering for 20 minutes, stir in 3 tbsp of honey and 1/2 glass of water. Mix well and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly and become smooth.

Step 3: Add Potato Starch

In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1/2 tsp of potato starch in 4 cups of water. Add this mixture to the simmering syrup and cook for another 10 minutes over moderate heat. The starch will help thicken the syrup and give it the perfect consistency to soak into the fried dough.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine frying oil, orange zest, sugar, orange blossom water, and baking powder. Crack the 3 eggs into the bowl and stir everything together. Gradually add the 350 g of flour, kneading the mixture until you get a smooth but slightly soft dough. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest for about 1 hour to allow it to rise.

Step 5: Shape the Youyous

Once the dough has rested, lightly oil your hands. Take small portions of dough, about the size of a walnut, and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a disk shape and then use your thumb and forefinger to create a hole in the center, forming a ring shape. Arrange the shaped doughnuts on a tray greased with oil.

Step 6: Fry the Youyous

Heat frying oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to a medium-high temperature. Carefully drop the dough rings into the hot oil, frying them on both sides until golden and crispy. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

Step 7: Soak the Youyous in Syrup

Once all the Youyous are fried, dip each one into the warm honey syrup, letting them soak for a few moments. This will allow the doughnuts to absorb the sweet syrup and become wonderfully sticky and fragrant.

Tips for Success:

• Orange Blossom Water: This is a key ingredient in Tunisian desserts, offering a subtle floral aroma that makes the Youyous unique. It’s available in specialty stores and online. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a few drops of orange extract, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

• Allow the Dough to Rest: Letting the dough rest for an hour is essential for achieving the right texture. The yeast needs time to activate, making the dough soft and airy inside.

• Oil Temperature: Be sure the oil is hot enough for frying. Test it by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. If the oil is too cool, the dough will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

• Syrup Consistency: The syrup should be thick enough to coat the doughnuts without being runny. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

  
  

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Youyous are more than just fried dough; they are a sweet, crispy, and aromatic experience that captures the essence of Tunisian dessert-making. The warm honey syrup, flavored with orange and a hint of floral orange blossom, makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you're hosting a special occasion, preparing a dessert for a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, these Youyous will impress with their irresistible flavor and texture.

Shop Fresh Ingredients at Mona’s Farm:

At Mona’s Farm, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, fresh ingredients that bring the best flavors to your dishes. From the freshest produce to premium pantry staples, we provide everything you need to make dishes like Tunisian Youyou at home. Order your ingredients today and start creating a taste of Tunisia in your kitchen!

Enjoy the crispy, golden sweetness of Youyous and share this delightful Tunisian dessert with your loved ones. With Mona’s Farm ingredients, every bite will be as fresh and flavorful as if you were in Tunisia itself!