Crispy Gosh-e Fil (Elephant Ear Pastries): Authentic Afghan & Iranian Recipe
45 minutes
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About Crispy Gosh-e Fil (Elephant Ear Pastries): Authentic Afghan & Iranian Recipe
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Gosh-e Fil, also known as Elephant Ear Pastries – a cherished treat from Afghanistan and Iran. These golden-brown pastries, traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions like Eid ul-Fitr, are named for their unique, elephant-ear shape. Simple yet elegant, they make a memorable breakfast, brunch, or snack.The recipe uses a delicate balance of eggs, flour, and clarified butter (ghee) to create a light and airy dough. Once deep-fried to perfection, the pastries are generously adorned with chopped pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar, offering a delightful textural and flavor contrast.This authentic recipe brings the rich culinary heritage of Central Asia to your kitchen. Prepare to be amazed by the ease of preparation and the unforgettable taste of these iconic pastries.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 cup All-Purpose Flour also known as maida. keep extra flour on hand for kneading.
- 0.5 cup Ghee ghee, or use vegetable oil as a substitute.
- 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste.
- 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 cup Milk lukewarm
For the Topping
- 2 tbsp Pistachios finely chopped or powdered.
- 0.5 cup Sugar or use granulated sugar or a simple sugar syrup., powdered
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil as needed, for deep frying.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, baking powder, salt, and clarified butter.
- Gradually add the flour, alternating with the lukewarm milk, until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough will be slightly sticky but should have a smooth, glossy texture.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Shape and Fry the Pastries
- Pinch off a piece of dough, about the size of a large cherry tomato. Roll it into a 3.5" x 4" oval.
- Fold one side of the oval over to meet the other side, crimping the edges to seal. This creates the characteristic elephant ear shape.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the pastries in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove the fried pastries and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Finish and Serve
- Once the pastries have cooled slightly, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar and chopped pistachios.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Gosh-e Fil
- For extra crispy pastries, let the dough rest for at least an hour after kneading. This allows the gluten to relax.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature while frying. Maintaining the correct temperature ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying. Work in batches to ensure each pastry cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Experiment with different toppings! Besides pistachios and powdered sugar, try using cinnamon sugar, cardamom, or even a drizzle of honey.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 838kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 15gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 760mgFiber: 3gSugar: 36g
5 Comments
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Such a tasty dish! Thanks for the recipe.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
What a flavorful dish! Thanks for sharing.
What a delightful recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.