Verguny (Brushwood)
12 servings
35 minutes
Verguny, also known as chvorost, are light, crispy, and airy sweets popular in Russian cuisine. This simple yet exquisite recipe has come down to us from centuries past when housewives could create magic from the simplest ingredients. The fluffy kefir dough, slightly sweetened, acquires a golden crust when fried in hot oil. The shape of the knots gives verguny a special charm, while powdered sugar completes this delicate symphony of taste. They are perfect for cozy tea gatherings, especially on cold evenings when one wants to enjoy something warm and homely.
1
Mix kefir with sugar, baking soda, and egg, add sunflower oil (1 tbsp) and melted margarine. Sift the flour and add it as well.
- Low-fat kefir: 250 ml
- Sugar: 50 g
- Slaked soda: 0.5 teaspoon
- Chicken egg: 1 piece
- Vegetable oil: 250 ml
- Margarine: 50 g
- Wheat flour: 3 glasss
2
The dough should be soft and fluffy, slightly sticky to the hands, but it must not be tough, otherwise the pastries will not be fluffy and airy. Cover the dough and let it rest for 25-30 minutes.
3
Pour sunflower oil into a thick-bottomed pot or pan and heat well. Shape the dough into diamonds and make a cut inside, threading one end of the diamond through the hole to create knots.
- Vegetable oil: 250 ml
4
Fry in hot oil, turning constantly, for one to two minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Powdered sugar: to taste