These Laughing Sesame Balls are a specialty of the Visayan Region in the Philippines where I come from. When fried, the sesame coated dough, splits open resulting in the characteristic smile. It has a crispy outside and cake like within. How do they taste? Like doughnuts but crispier!
What you need to make Laughing Sesame Balls
- Pantry – Plain Flour,Caster Sugar,Salt,Baking Powder,Baking Soda, Oil,Egg and Sesame Seeds
- Optional – Caster Sugar and Cinnamon Powder if you want it sweeter OR Finely Grated Parmesan and Chilli Powder for a savoury option
In other parts of the Philippines, this is also known as Binangkal or Kabak. It’s interesting to note, that this is very similar to the fried Sesame Balls that is eaten during the Chinese New Year.
While not traditional, I like to roll these in cinnamon sugar. They are not too sweet, so they also make great canapés specially if sprinkled with finely grated Parmesan and some Chilli Powder.
Easy does it…
- Combine the dry ingredients of flour salt sugar baking powder baking soda in a bowl.
- Make a well in the centre of the flour and add beaten egg in the well. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cooking oil and use your hands to form into a dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit more water. Shape into a ball , cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Then roll the dough into a log.
- Divide the log into 16 pieces, then roll each piece into balls the size of walnuts using your hands dampened with a bit of water. Then roll each ball in sesame seeds.
- Fry in preheated oil until golden brown. Drain in paper towels. Roll in cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Another option, is to roll them in finely grated Parmesan and Chilli powder for an excellent canapé to go with drinks.
Laughing Sesame Balls
6
servings10
minutes25
minutesSesame Laughing Balls
Ingredients
1 cup Plain Flour plus 2 Tablespoons of Corn Flour
1/4 cup of Caster Sugar
1/4 tablespoons Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Baking Soda
2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
1/4 cup of Caster Sugar
1 Egg
1/3 cup Sesame Seeds
Caster Sugar and Cinnamon Extra(optional)
Oil for frying
Directions
- Place flour, salt,baking powder,sugar and baking soda in a bowl and mix together until combined.
- Make a well in the centre of the flour and add beaten egg and 2 tablespoon oil in the well. Add 2 tablespoons of water and combine with your hand to form a dough. If a bit too dry add more water. Roll into a ball. Cover and let rest for about 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball with damp hands. Then roll each ball in sesame seeds.
- In a small saucepan, heat pre heat cooking oil about 6 cm deep on medium heat. The oil temperature should be about 150°C.
- Fry about 5 balls at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan or the balls won’t crack and will be dense. As they cook the balls will float up. Remove with a slotted spoon when they are golden brown and place in a paper towel lined plate. Then roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm if desired.
Notes
- Makes 16 golf sized sesame balls. Store in airtight container.
