entúli

Entúli is a term primarily used in Hungarian to describe a specific type of pastry. It refers to a sweet, often yeast-based dough that is typically fried or baked and then coated or filled with a sweet substance, most commonly jam or a fruit preserve. The dough itself can vary in texture, sometimes being light and airy, while other variations can be denser.

The preparation of entúli often involves kneading a dough that might include flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and yeast. After rising, the dough is shaped into small, often oval or round, portions. These portions are then cooked, traditionally by deep-frying until golden brown, or sometimes baked in an oven. Once cooked, the entúli is usually dusted with powdered sugar or filled with a generous amount of fruit jam, such as plum or apricot.

While the classic entúli is sweet, savory variations are less common but can exist. The term itself is deeply rooted in Hungarian culinary tradition and is a familiar treat in homes and bakeries across Hungary. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast item, a dessert, or a snack, and its popularity stems from its comforting and delicious combination of soft dough and sweet filling. The exact recipes and preparations can differ slightly from region to region or even family to family within Hungary, leading to a range of textures and flavors under the same general name.