Fazuelos

Fazuelos, also known as fijuelas, hiuelas, deblas, and hojuelas are pastries of thin fried dough. A type of rolled pastry, their origins trace back to Spain, with references dating back to the late Spanish Middle Ages.

Sephardic tradition

In Sephardic Jewish tradition, these pastries, reminiscent of Esther's megillah due to their characteristic rolled form, which recalls the shape of Haman's ears, hold cultural significance, particularly during the celebration of Purim.

Historically, fazuelos were mentioned in literature, notably in Francisco Delicado's La Lozana Andaluza, where a Jewish woman named Aldonza reminisces about preparing the pastry while living in Andalusia, fleeing persecution from the Spanish Inquisition. Fazuelos are also made by non-Jewish communities, especially during the Christian festival of Semana Santa (Holy Week), which coincides closely with Purim. This cross-cultural adoption of the pastry is documented by its inclusion in some Christian Spanish cookbooks as early as 1599.

Tunisia

Oudnin el kadhi (Tunisian Arabic: وذنين القاضي 'ears of the Judge') or wdinet el cadi (وذينات القاضي 'little ears of the judge') are a type of pastry commonly found in Tunisia.

Preparation

Writing for Tablet Magazine, food historian Hélène Jawhara Piñer provides a recipe. Comprising flour, eggs, sugar, and oil, the dough is rolled thinly, cut into strips, and briefly fried. A syrup of water, orange blossom, and sugar is then prepared for additional flavor.