This is an ancient tradition, originally done by the Jews of North Africa in general. I have found a link that might be helpful in introducing this tradition:
http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/libyajew/LibyanJews/museum/food4.html
The Place I am featuring this month, is a small place that sells sweets all year round.
No name for the place is available, I will do my best in describing it to you.
In Ramadan they start making SFENZ, as it is called in Libya. It is served after 10 pm every day during the month of Ramadan :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan.
I am told that this is the best place where you can get the best Sfenz in Tripoli.
Location:
The place looks like a dive. Located on the same main street pass Tripoli Collage, it is about 250 meters before the over bridge to Hay-ALandalus and the circle(beneath the bridge) that leads to the highway exit in the area of Gurji.
Making and serving:
They make the Sfenz with one egg, two eggs and you can add cheese if you would like. I recommend that you ask for it to go, else, you can eat on the sidewalk where they have arranged one big table, if you like eating your doughnut while standing.
If you decide to eat there, make sure you bring your drink with you since no drinks are available.
Sfenz is large in diameter and greasy, it does taste good with all considerations.
It is a great experience considering the history of the Sfenz, it will for sure give you a taste of the past times.
Enjoy and Welcome to Libya
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6 comments:
mmmMMmmm
I love Sfenz!!
One day, not so far, I'm goint to Libya for sure and your blog will be my guide.
I do love Libya already and your blog just increases my will to travel to this beautiful country!
Thanks!
Leandra
thats weird. ive never had sfinz in a donut shape. its known to be flat like a pancake, and can be made salty or sweet.
havent had any in a while
well, just want to add that the jewish version has nothing to do with our traditional sfenz. As far as i remember and I'm almost 50, sfinz in tripoli has always been made with bread dough ,the art is in giving it it's shape with the thin an crispy inner part and the thick and elastic edges! the jewish recipe is close to the yo-yo or tunisian doughnut. We never had any sfnez with cheese ,when it's plain it's served with honey (3assal za3try) and bon appetit!
Oooh I didnt get to try one of these while I was in Libya. Next year I hope to and I will try to find the shop you suggested. My husband always called me "matuga" when we were first married. I found out it was in reference to the base that was land taken from hs family (100 hecters), I told him I would see what I could do to give it back :) His brother laughed when I told him of my nickname!
thanks for the receipe. I will try to make it myself :)
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