Dovlecei Pane de Post — Fasting Fried Zucchini

Romanian Fast With Oil Published February 03, 2026

Dovlecei pane are Romania's answer to fried zucchini, and the fasting version replaces the egg
batter with a sparkling water and flour coating that fries up lighter and crispier than the
original. Golden, shattering, and impossibly moreish. Serve with garlic sauce and do not
expect leftovers.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (requires frying; not suitable for oil-free days)

SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into 7 mm rounds
- Salt

For the batter:
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 200 ml sparkling water (very cold)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of baking soda

For the garlic sauce (mujdei):
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed or grated
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt to taste

Sunflower oil for frying

METHOD:
1. Salt zucchini slices on both sides, place on a rack, and let drain for 10 minutes. Pat thoroughly dry.
2. Make the mujdei: pound garlic with salt in a mortar (or mince finely). Whisk in oil, water, and vinegar until emulsified. Taste and adjust.
3. Make the batter: whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and baking soda together. Add cold sparkling water and stir just until combined — lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
4. Heat 2 cm of sunflower oil in a heavy skillet to 180C (350F).
5. Dip each zucchini round in batter, let excess drip off, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels. Season immediately with a pinch of salt.
7. Serve hot with mujdei (garlic sauce) for dipping.

NOTES:
- Cold sparkling water is the secret to a light, crispy batter without eggs. Keep the water in the fridge until the moment you mix.
- Do not crowd the pan — fry in batches. Crowding drops the oil temperature and makes everything soggy.
- Mujdei (garlic sauce) is essential. It is the Romanian equivalent of aioli and is used on everything during fasting.
- For extra protein, serve alongside a bowl of iahnie de fasole (bean stew).

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6 g | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Fat: 15 g | Fibre: 3 g