Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pastry that shatters delicately, then melts into a river of warm honey and crunchy walnuts - welcome to the world of Diples, a traditional Greek dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece! These irresistible treats are not just a dessert; they're a culinary journey that combines centuries-old techniques with simple, luxurious ingredients that will make your kitchen feel like a Mediterranean paradise.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup honey
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour the olive oil and white wine into the well. Gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients using a fork or your hands until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a very thin sheet, approximately 1/16 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier the pastry will be.
- Cut the dough into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces, approximately 2-3 inches long.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the dough pieces in small batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 30-45 seconds per side.
- Remove the fried pastries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In a separate small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until it becomes slightly runny.
- Drizzle the warm honey generously over the fried pastries, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the honey-covered pastries while they are still warm.
- Dust the pastries with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy these traditional Greek honey-soaked pastries.
Tips
- Dough Thickness is Key: Roll your dough as thin as possible (about 1/16 inch) to achieve that signature crispy texture. Thinner dough means more delicate, crunchier pastries.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 350°F (175°C). This ensures even, golden-brown frying without burning.
- Fry in Small Batches: Don't overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches helps maintain oil temperature and ensures each piece cooks evenly.
- Honey Technique: Warm the honey slightly to make it more fluid and easier to drizzle. This helps it coat the pastries more evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Diples are best enjoyed warm, right after drizzling with honey and sprinkling with walnuts. The contrast of warm, crispy pastry and sweet honey is magical!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
