{"id":"ustipci_5fb761092e","slug":"ustipci","title":"Uštipci","description":"Golden, pillowy fried dough balls with a crispy exterior and soft, airy center. This classic Eastern European comfort food is versatile and can be enjoyed savory with cheese or meat, or sweet with honey and jam.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":25},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g all-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"cup","form":"all-purpose","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"250ml warm milk","name":"Milk","quantity":250,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"warm","notes":"","group":"Yeast Mix","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"7g active dry yeast (1 packet)","name":"Active dry yeast","quantity":7,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"2 1/4","usUnit":"tsp","form":"active dry","notes":"1 packet","group":"Yeast Mix","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 tsp sugar","name":"Sugar","quantity":4,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"granulated","notes":"","group":"Yeast Mix","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":6,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"2 eggs","name":"Egg","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"large","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"125ml plain yogurt","name":"Yogurt","quantity":125,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"plain","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1 tbsp brandy or rakija","name":"Brandy","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"prevents oil absorption","group":"Dough","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"Oil for frying","name":"Oil","quantity":500,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"neutral oil for deep frying","group":"Frying","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.","group":"Preparation","title":"Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and yogurt until smooth. Stir in the brandy if using.","group":"Preparation","title":"Whisk the eggs and yogurt","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Gradually add the yeast mixture and the flour and salt to the egg mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms. The dough should be soft but not liquid.","group":"Preparation","title":"Gradually add the yeast mixture and the flour and salt","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.","group":"Preparation","title":"Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise","timerMinutes":45,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).","group":"Frying","title":"Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Frying"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Using two spoons dipped in oil, scoop a small amount of dough and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.","group":"Frying","title":"Using two spoons dipped","timerMinutes":3,"sourceTitle":"Frying"},{"id":"instruction-7","text":"Use a slotted spoon to remove the uštipci and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.","group":"Frying","title":"Use a slotted spoon","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Frying"}],"notes":"Traditionally served with kajmak (clotted cream), feta cheese, or ajvar for a savory snack, or with honey and jam for a sweet treat. Adding a splash of brandy or rakija to the dough prevents it from absorbing too much oil during frying.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Balkan"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["deep frying pan","mixing bowl","wooden spoon","paper towels","slotted spoon"],"diet":["vegetarian","nut_free","soy_free"],"allergens":["wheat","gluten","milk","eggs"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":20,"unit":"piece","note":"yields approximately 20-25 dough balls"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The dough can be prepared and kept in the fridge for a few hours before frying, though fresh is best."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain crispness.","reheatingNotes":"Avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fustipci_5fb761092e%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=acdf0c67-31d4-478d-a68f-8e9b0fa93401","imageAlt":"Uštipci — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["fried dough","balkan food","traditional","easy recipe","savory snack","sweet snack"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Uštipci","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:33:17.580Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:33:17.580Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_943b7108be","slug":"buckwheat-porridge-hrechana-kasha","title":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha)","description":"A nutritious, nutty, and comforting Eastern European staple. This fluffy buckwheat porridge is a healthy, gluten-free dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["main","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_943b7108be%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=7dd38cb8-7bb4-48fd-b6e8-db1d1eed0a49","imageAlt":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha) — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","gluten-free","grains","comfort food","ukrainian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"kofola_b1c75f3da4","slug":"homemade-kofola-style-botanical-cola","title":"Homemade Kofola-Style Botanical Cola","description":"A refreshing, caffeine-infused herbal soda with deep notes of caramel, licorice, and citrus, inspired by the iconic Eastern European soft drink.","serves":10,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Czech","Slovak"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fkofola_b1c75f3da4%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=67cc5ce9-b348-424d-9e84-52c009097637","imageAlt":"Homemade Kofola-Style Botanical Cola — recipe cover","tags":["kofola","homemade soda","herbal drink","botanical beverage","eastern europe","cola"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5},{"id":"limonada_90a60e65ae","slug":"lemonade-limonada","title":"Lemonade (Limonadă)","description":"A refreshing, classic Eastern European style lemonade, perfectly balancing the zesty tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of sugar or honey.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Romanian"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Flimonada_90a60e65ae%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d7c2befe-e072-4487-8949-47985c73775e","imageAlt":"Lemonade (Limonadă) — recipe cover","tags":["lemonade","refreshing","citrus","cold drink","summer"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":4}]}