Strasbourg Donuts

Strasbourg doughnuts are a delicacy that perfectly combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the sweetness of the filling and the crispy meringue on top. These doughnuts are not just a dessert but also a culinary experience full of flavor and nostalgia. Their origins are lost in the history of cooking, being prepared in various forms over time, but today we will focus on our simple and delicious recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 18 doughnuts

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 10 g dry yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar (plus one tablespoon for the starter)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- vanilla essence
- a pinch of salt

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground nuts

Preparation of Strasbourg doughnuts

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, combine 10 g of dry yeast with one tablespoon of sugar, a little lukewarm milk, and 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring your doughnuts will be fluffy.

2. Butter cream: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla essence. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

3. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step will give the doughnuts a rich texture and delicious taste.

4. Forming the dough: In the bread machine bowl, add the flour, the activated starter, and the butter cream. Use the kneading and rising program. During kneading, gradually add the remaining lukewarm milk. You will obtain an elastic, soft, and slightly sticky dough.

5. First rising: After the dough has doubled in volume, divide it into 18 balls. This step is important to ensure the uniformity of the doughnuts.

6. Filling the doughnuts: Flatten each ball of dough on a floured surface. Place a square of chocolate or your favorite filling (jam, Turkish delight, nut with cocoa) on each ball. Be generous with the filling to ensure every bite will be delicious.

7. Forming the pouches: Lift the edges of the dough and pinch them to form a pouch. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise.

8. Second rising: Cover the doughnuts with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This step will ensure a fluffy and airy texture.

9. Preparing the meringue: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the meringue becomes shiny and firm. Finally, fold in the ground nuts.

10. Final assembly: After the doughnuts have risen, evenly cover them with meringue and sprinkle ground nuts on top. This detail will give them an attractive appearance and a crispy texture.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the doughnuts for 30 minutes or until the meringue turns golden. When you take them out of the oven, let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Serving and variations

Strasbourg doughnuts are delicious when served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can serve them with warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of ice cream. Additionally, for an extra flavor, you can add cinnamon or lemon zest to the meringue.

Nutritional benefits

These doughnuts are a good source of carbohydrates and fats, providing quick energy. The butter adds a boost of fat-soluble vitamins, while the nuts are rich in protein and essential fatty acids. However, like any dessert, it's best to enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use about 30 g of fresh yeast. Make sure to activate it in the same way as dry yeast.

- What fillings can I experiment with?
You can use fruit jams, chocolate, Turkish delight, or various nut creams. Let your imagination soar!

- How can I store the doughnuts?
The doughnuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

Conclusion

Strasbourg doughnuts are a perfect choice for celebrating special moments or simply to treat your family and friends to a delicious dessert. With every bite, you will enjoy a combination of flavors and textures, and the preparation process will turn cooking into a real pleasure. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let the magic of cooking begin!

 Ingredients: For the dough we need: 500 g flour, 10 g dry yeast, 5 tablespoons sugar, 100 g butter, 3 egg yolks, 200 ml milk, vanilla essence. For the meringue: 3 egg whites, 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons ground nuts.

 Tags:  chocolate