Simple and Delicious Fried Pastries

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a deep bowl, beat the eggs with the regular and vanilla sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
2. Add the sunflower oil, yogurt, and grated lemon peel to the egg mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft and elastic dough forms.
4. Knead the dough briefly until it no longer sticks to your hands or the bowl. Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Peel and cube the apples. Place them in a deep pan.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of jam, and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan with the apples.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

1. Divide the dough into 9-10 equal balls.
2. Roll each ball into a circle about 5-8 millimeters thick.
3. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water to help seal the pastry.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges with a fork to seal them securely. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Fry the  Pastries

1. Pour oil into a pan to a depth of about 2 centimeters and heat it over medium heat.
2. When the oil is hot, add the pastries in batches, frying until golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the pastries from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. While still warm, roll the fried pastries in granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
2. Arrange on a serving dish and enjoy warm or at room temperature. These pastries are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Fried Pastries

• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent medium heat to ensure the pastries cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
• Seal Well: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to use different fruits, nuts, or even chocolate for the filling to suit your taste preferences.

Variations to Try

• Add Spices: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for extra flavor.
• Use Different Jams: Experiment with different jams like apricot, raspberry, or strawberry for a new twist each time.
• Top with Icing: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled pastries for added sweetness and visual appeal.