Kazakh Baursak (Fried Bread Balls)

About This Recipe

Baursak is the fried bread that appears at every Kazakh celebration — golden, pillowy spheres of yeasted dough fried until puffed and light. They're piled on a table along with other appetizers when guests arrive and eaten throughout the meal. Sweet versions are made for celebrations; savory for everyday eating. They're one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of Kazakh hospitality.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 4 cupsall-purpose flour
• 7 ginstant yeast
• 1 cupwarm milk
• 2 largeeggs
• 3 tbspsugar
• 3 tbspbutter, melted
• 1 tspsalt
• 2 cupsvegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the dough

   Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix and knead 8 minutes until smooth. Rest covered for 45 minutes until doubled.

2. 2

   Shape the baursak

   Punch down dough. Roll out to 2cm thickness on a floured surface. Cut into squares or use your hands to tear off golf-ball sized pieces.

3. 3

   Rest briefly

   Let the shaped pieces rest 10 minutes on a floured tray.

4. 4

   Fry

   Heat oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry baursak in batches, turning, for 4–5 minutes until golden on all sides and cooked through.

5. 5

   Drain and serve

   Drain on paper towels. Serve warm alongside tea, honey, sour cream (kaymak), or jam.

Variations

• •

  Add cinnamon and cardamom for a spiced sweet version

• •

  Fill with jam or cheese before frying

• •

  Make savory with less sugar and add black pepper

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

Storage

Best eaten fresh. Reheat in oven at 160°C for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions