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A delicious Chak Chak recipe from Tatarstan. A Fried Honey Cake popular in Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan and across Central Asia and the former Soviet Union. Chak Chak (Чак-чак) or Çäkçäk is served for guests, at weddings and celebrations.
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Chak Chak (Чак-чак) Honey Cake

A delicious Chak Chak recipe from Tatarstan. A Fried Honey Cake popular in Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan and across Central Asia and the former Soviet Union. Chak Chak (Чак-чак) or Çäkçäk is served for guests, at weddings and celebrations.
Course Dessert, Sweets
Cuisine Kazakhstan, Russian, Soviet, Tatar, Uzbek
Keyword chak chak
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • tablespoons cognac or vodka
  • 200 grams toasted almonds optional
  • 3 cups of oil
  • 1 cup of honey
  • cup sugar

Instructions

  • Using a whisk or a beater, beat the eggs together.
  • Add the cognac or vodka and stir until mixed.
  • Put the flour into a bowl and add the egg mixture and stir together breaking up any lumps and make a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough into a thin layer, about ½cm or ¼" thick.
  • Cut the dough into thin long strips, about 1-2" wide. You will now have lots of long strips of dough. Layer 3-4 strips on top of each other to make cutting easier, just sprinkle enough flour so they don't stick. Cut these long strips into small pieces about ½ cm or ¼" wide. Shake them to separate immediately. Remember that their size will double or triple when you fry them in oil.
  • Heat the oil on high until hot. Test by putting one piece of dough in the pot, and it should crackle and start to expand.
  • Fry the dough pieces in small batches in the hot oil until golden yellow and set aside on a paper towel to drain the oil. (Don't overcook them so they are brown - keep lightly golden)
  • Put the honey and sugar into a saucepan and cook on low for about 5 minutes and heated and sugar is dissolved into the honey. You can also use a double boiler to melt the sugar and honey together.
  • In a frying pan, toast almonds on medium heat until they are golden brown and toasty.
  • Prepare the plate that your Chak Chak will be presented on. Put the fried pieces of dough and toasted almonds into a large bowl and pour the hot honey mixture over and mix together using 2 wooden poons until it's all combined. You must work very fast, as the honey will set very quickly.
  • Final step, place the Chak Chak on the plate and form a hill or a pyramid with your hands. Again, this must be done very quickly as it sets fast. It's helpful to wet you hands with cold water to help you form the pyramid.
  • Refrigerate before serving to allow the Chak Chak to cool and set, or serve immediately warm in smaller portions.