Buhti with honey (Бухти с мед) is an authentic Bulgarian dish made from a simple dough. It is fried to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet honey, offering a nostalgic and delicious taste of Bulgaria’s culinary traditions.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 400 grams flour (about 3 cups)
- 1 egg
- 250 ml Bulgarian yogurt (about 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Sunflower or other oil for frying
- Honey for drizzling (about 100 ml)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and baking soda. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a minute to activate the baking soda. It will start to foam. Add the egg, sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt, and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the yogurt mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands to form a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Buhti
Lightly flour your hands and pinch off small portions of dough, rolling them into round or oval shapes about the size of a walnut. Alternatively, you can roll the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares or circles.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat about 1-2 cm of sunflower oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
Step 5: Fry the Buhti
Carefully place the shaped dough pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Remove the buhti with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Drizzle with Honey and Serve
Once all the buhti are fried, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle generously with honey. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Consistency of Dough: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. Add more flour if it’s too sticky to handle.
- Chef’s Recommendation: For extra flavor, sprinkle the buhti with powdered sugar or cinnamon before drizzling it with honey, but this is not a Bulgarian tradition.
- Honey Alternatives: You can also serve buhti with jam, powdered sugar, or yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Buhti are traditionally served for breakfast or as a dessert. It is served warm, drizzled with honey, with a glass of milk or tea. In Bulgaria, it is often paired with a dollop of yogurt on the side for a balanced sweet and tangy combination.
Complementing With Coffee or Tea
Buhti are typically enjoyed with tea or coffee. Kids may prefer it with hot milk.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover buhti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to restore their crispness.
- Freezing: Buhti can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen until warm and crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free buhti, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
About Buhti (Бухти)
Buhti, a beloved fried dough treat in Bulgaria, are often enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon snack. The name “buhti” comes from the Bulgarian word “бухвам” which means “to puff up”, reflecting the light and fluffy texture of the fried dough. Buhti are similar to doughnuts but are typically petite and less sweet, often enjoyed with honey, powdered sugar, or jam. This dish is a favorite in Bulgarian households, especially for weekend breakfasts or family gatherings.
Cultural Context
Buhti have been a staple of Bulgarian home cooking for generations. Simple to make and using essential pantry ingredients, they are a quick and comforting dish that brings back childhood memories for many Bulgarians. Traditionally, buhti are served warm, straight from the frying pan, and shared among family members. This dish is often made on special occasions or holidays, and its association with comfort and tradition makes it a timeless favorite.
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