Sfenj is a Moroccan doughnut traditionally made from unsweetened yeast dough and fried in oil.
Sfenj has a chewy, airy texture and an irregular ring shape. The dough is often stretched by hand before being dropped into hot oil, producing a crisp exterior and an open interior.
Unlike many glazed or filled doughnuts, sfenj is commonly eaten plain or dusted with sugar. It is especially associated with Moroccan street-food stalls and breakfast or snack culture, where it may be served with tea.
Sfenj is part of the Maghrebi tradition of fried breads. It is sometimes compared with other North African and Mediterranean doughnuts, but its simple yeast dough and hand-formed shape give it a distinct identity.