- 1 ½ tsp. yeast
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ½ kg. flour (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup warm water
- Oil, for frying
“It wouldn’t be Chanukah without sfenj. I’m happy to share my family’s recipe with you!”
— Marcelle Azoulay
Jewish community member in Casablanca, Morocco
Ingredients for Sfenj (Moroccan Doughnuts)
Instructions for Sfenj (Moroccan Doughnuts)
- In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt, then add the water. Mix until smooth. Cover your dough, and let it rest for 3-4 hours until it rises.
- Heat enough oil to deep-fry the sfenj. The oil should be very hot. If possible, your frying pan should be placed on a slight incline.
- Dip your hands in water, then pull the dough into a tennis ball-size sphere. Stretch the dough to make a hole in the middle. Repeat process with remaining dough.
- Place each ball in the oil on the tilted side, with less oil. When it begins to darken, push it to the side with more oil and fry until golden-brown.
- Serve sfenj hot, sprinkled with sugar, drizzled with honey, or plain. Consider pairing these tasty treats with a hot cup of mint tea.






