Iran - Butterflies - Parnaveh (good way to use leftover filo dough)

[Olga Drozd]

IRAN - BUTTERFLIES - PARNAVEH:

Leftover pieces of filo may be used to make both Butterflies and Golden Dollars, below.

1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar (Icing/Powdered)
1 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
2 filo pastry sheets OR 24 (4 inch X 2 inch) filo strips
Oil for frying

Combine sugar and cardamom or cinnamon in a small bowl.  Mix well.  Set aside.  Stack filo pastry sheets or any leftover filo strips.  Cut into 4 X 2 inch rectangles.  Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Pour oil 1 1/2 inches deep into a large skillet or shallow saucepan.  Heat to 375º F. on a deep fry thermometer.  At this temperature a 1-inch cube of bread will turn brown in 50 seconds.

Work with 1 filo rectangle at a time, keeping remaining filo covered.  To shape a butterfly, moisten your fingers with water and pinch or twist together the 2 long sides of a rectangle across the center.  Carefully place in hot oil.  Do not crowd in pan.  Fry up to 30 seconds until pale golden. Do not let brown in oil. Butterflies will continue to brown while cooling.  Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon.  Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining rectangles.  Sprinkle with sugar mixture.  Serve warm or cool.  Makes about 24 butterflies.

Variation:  Golden Dollars: Cut filo sheets into 2 to 2 1/2 inch circles. Fry and sprinkle with sugar mixture as directed.