Mekici (also spelled mekitsi or mekitsa) are a traditional Bulgarian and Balkan fried dough — golden, soft, and slightly chewy, often enjoyed for breakfast with powdered sugar, honey, jam, or cheese. They’re similar to donuts but less sweet and a bit tangier because they’re made with yogurt or sour milk.
Here’s a classic, authentic-style recipe 👇
🇧🇬 Traditional Mekici (Bulgarian Fried Dough)
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder or ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180 g) plain yogurt (or kefir / sour milk)
- 1 egg (optional, for richer dough)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
Instructions
- Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder (or soda), and salt.
- Add yogurt and egg (if using), then stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead briefly until smooth (about 3–5 minutes).
- If sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
- Rest the dough:
- Cover the bowl and let rest for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.
- This makes the mekici fluffier and easier to shape.
- Shape the mekici:
- Lightly oil your hands (the dough can be sticky).
- Pinch off small pieces (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten each into a disk, roughly ¼ inch (½ cm) thick.
- You can make them round or slightly irregular — rustic is traditional!
- Fry:
- Heat about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry mekici until golden brown on both sides (about 1–2 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey, or serve with jam, feta cheese, or yogurt.
- Best eaten warm!
🍯 Serving Ideas
- Sweet: Powdered sugar, honey, fruit preserves, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar.
- Savory: Crumbled feta, white brined cheese, or sour cream.
- Modern twist: Try stuffing them with chocolate, cheese, or ham before frying!
Would you like me to give you a yeast-based version (fluffier, like a donut) or this quick baking soda version (faster, tangier) formatted for printing?
