Balbalow & Zibatera
- Soomaali
- Baalbaaloow
- Français
- Balbalow & Zibatera
- العربية
- بسكويت مقلي
By Leila & Abdullahi · ·
Balbalow (baalbaaloow) is a sweet treat that is popular in Somalia. It is shaped like a butterfly (balanbaalis) and it is as sweet as the butterfly is beautiful. Good balbalow should be light, crunchy but not hard, and have a nice, crumbly texture. The small bubbles on the surface of the balbalow are formed by the steam that tries to escape as the dough hits the oil. It is these bubbles that give the balbalow its light, crumbly texture.
In Brava, Somalia, the dough is shaped like little boats (zibateera). We have no idea why this shape is used but we do know for sure that they taste really good. To preserve the boat shape during frying, the oil should not be too hot, otherwise large bubbles will form which will distort the shape. In Brava, zibatera are left to dry for a couple of hours before frying them. This results in less trapped steam during frying, thereby preserving the shape of the little boats.
Balbalow & zibatera are closely related to kalkals (shushumoow) and they are very popular during the Eid festivities.
Watch
Ingredients
1 cup = 237 mL · 1 Tbsp = 15 mL · 1 tsp = 5 mL. All are level measurements.
For sugarcoating
Method
Tap a step to mark it done.
Steps for preparing balbalow & zibatera In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the hot oil and mix with a spatula or a wooden spoon
Mix thoroughly with your hand, making sure that the flour and oil are well-incorporated
Add the water and form the dough into a ball
Knead well for 10 minutes. If the dough is a little hard, place it in a plastic bag and leave for a little while for it to soften. Continue kneading after that
After kneading, let the dough rest for 10 minutes
Cut it into 4 equal parts, then shape each piece into a disc
Roll out the dough to a thin sheet
Cut it into 20 square or rectangular pieces. Squares are best for making the butterfly shapes, while rectangles work better for shaping the boats
Shape into boats and butterflies, as shown below. Let them dry for at least an hour before frying
Shaping the balbalow & zibatera Balbalow & zibatera Ready for frying Frying the balbalow & zibatera Fry in canola oil (or any other flavourless oil) at 320°F/160°C until golden brown. Use medium-low heat. If the dough is moist or the oil is too hot, large bubbles will form that will adversely affect the shape. Use a lower heat setting at the beginning, then increase it to brown them faster.
Balbalow & Zibatera Balbalow & Zibatera Sugarcoating the balbalow & zibatera Combine the sugar and water
Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat
Add the balbalow & zibatera and coat well. Do not wait until the sugar crystallizes. Turn off the heat while the sugar coating is still glossy
Comments
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Asc!
yaslam edikum, wax badan waad na cawisen wana ka helaa pagekina cunta karinta ah….
Mahadsanid walaal.
Wallah these are amazing.
Thank you!
Assalamou aleykoum guys I just made the balbalow & zabatera and they turn out great !
Thank you!!
Wa’alaikum Assalam Waraxmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Thank you very much for letting us know. We are happy you liked them.
I would like to congratulate you on this wonderful website and thank you at the same time. Will you do any recipes for Ramadan as there are certain sweets I would like to make.Its been 37 years since I have had cano barawe and I’m really looking forward to making it.
All the best
Yasmin
Thank you very much for your comment. Here is a link for Caano Baraawe /recipes/peera/. God willing we will soon start working on Ramadan recipes.
ACWB Maansha Allah Alleh Subhana Waa Tacala Ajar iyo Hasand ha idinka siyo sida ad nogu xagar bahdeen inaad na tustaansida sida lo sameeyo cunooyinkan tirada badan oo Somaliyeed. Aniga wax badan aan ka bartey Xawaash Websidkiisa malin kastana wax baan ka bartaa oo mantaba Balbaloow iyo Mufo Barawe aan sameystey, waa labo cunno aan weligeyga rabey inaan barto.
Wacalaykum Assalaam Waraxmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.
Walaal Hareda, waa ku mahadsan tahay faallada aadka u fiican iyo ducada aad inoo soo qortay. Waan ku faraxsan nahay inaad ka faa’iidaysanaysid Xawaash iyo inaad ka heshay cuntada aad jeceshahay. Mahadsanid walaal.