Simple donuts

Simple doughnuts - A classic, fluffy, and delicious treat

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts

Who doesn’t love doughnuts? These fluffy delights have been cherished for generations, providing a sense of comfort and joy with every bite. Doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even desserts, and today I will share with you the simple and quick recipe to make them at home.

The history of doughnuts spans centuries, with each culture having its own version. They are often associated with fond childhood memories when served warm and dusted with sugar. I invite you to discover the magic of yeast doughnuts that will bring a smile to your face and delightful aromas to your kitchen.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- 40 ml oil (plus extra for frying)
- 25 g dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- Grated lemon or orange peel (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by step for perfect doughnuts:

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 25 g of dry yeast, one tablespoon of sugar, and one tablespoon of flour with 100 ml of lukewarm water. Stir slightly and let the yeast sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential, as activating the yeast will ensure even rising of the doughnuts.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add 500 g of flour, a pinch of salt, the remaining sugar, the egg, vanilla sugar, and the grated lemon or orange peel. Once the yeast has risen, pour it over the dry ingredients. Gradually add the remaining lukewarm water (100 ml) and mix gently with a wooden spoon.

3. Kneading the dough: When the ingredients are well incorporated, start kneading the dough with your hands. Gradually add the oil, a little at a time, continuing to knead until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and non-sticky. This process may take about 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as kneading improves the texture of the doughnuts.

4. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. If you have an oven with a rising function, this is the ideal time to use it.

5. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. Using a glass with the rim turned upside down, cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This step will make them even fluffier!

6. Frying the doughnuts: In a deep pan, heat the oil (about 5 cm deep) over medium heat. Check the temperature of the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in it; if it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready. Fry the doughnuts on each side for 2-3 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

7. Finishing and serving: After frying, remove the doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Dust them with sugar and, if desired, add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Doughnuts are delicious on their own, but for a gourmet experience, you can fill them with chocolate cream, jam, or fruit preserves.
- I also recommend serving them alongside a fragrant tea or a well-brewed coffee.

Tips and variations:
- If you want even fluffier doughnuts, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add a few tablespoons of yogurt to the mix.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough or even a few drops of rum essence.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why do doughnuts stick to the pan? Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the doughnuts.
- Can I freeze doughnuts? Yes, doughnuts can be frozen! Let them cool completely, then pack them in airtight containers and keep them in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

This simple doughnut recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to gather your family around the table. Enjoy every step of the process and turn it into a fun activity! Happy cooking and savor every bite!