Fluffy lemon doughnuts

Fluffy Lemon Donuts - A delicacy that combines tradition with a touch of freshness

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 35-45 minutes
Frying time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12 donuts

Donuts are a cherished dessert in many cultures, with a rich and varied history. Whether fried or baked, filled or plain, these treats are always a good choice to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. The fluffy lemon donuts we will prepare together are not only fragrant but also extremely easy to make! The fresh lemon flavors will transform this dessert into a perfect indulgence for any time of the day.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g flour (choose a quality flour, ideally 000 for a fine texture)
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough)
- 2 tablespoons of full-fat yogurt (for added moisture and a fluffy texture)
- 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine (melted, but not hot)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- 1/2 cup of milk (warmed, to activate the yeast)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- Zest of one lemon (for an intense and fresh taste)
- Lemon essence (optional, for a more concentrated flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting the donuts, optional)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

Step by step to achieve perfect fluffy donuts:

1. Preparing the starter - Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan until it is lukewarm. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. This step is essential as the sugar feeds the yeast. Add the yeast and stir gently. Let the mixture rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Combining the ingredients - In a large bowl, add the melted butter (make sure it has cooled slightly), yogurt, lemon zest, eggs, and lemon essence (if you choose to use it). Mix the ingredients well with a whisk or spatula.

3. Forming the dough - Once the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing constantly, until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, similar to bread dough.

4. First rise - Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 20-25 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. A good idea is to place it in an oven preheated to 30 °C but turned off.

5. Forming the donuts - After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1-1.5 cm. Using a glass or a cutter, cut out round shapes. Place the donuts on a tray lined with baking paper and let them rise again for 10-15 minutes.

6. Frying the donuts - In a large pot, heat the oil to a temperature of 170-180 °C. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature, as the donuts will fry evenly only if the oil is hot enough. Fry the donuts on both sides for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fluffy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving - These fluffy lemon donuts can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. They are also delicious filled with jam, jelly, Nutella, or lemon cream, which is my favorite. A great combination is to serve them alongside herbal tea or fresh lemonade, enhancing the lemon flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more intense lemon flavor, use the juice from the lemon in the filling mix.
- You can experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate or vanilla cream, to vary the recipe.
- The donuts keep well in airtight containers for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A donut has about 200-250 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of sugar used. They provide a quick source of energy and, thanks to the yogurt, contain beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the donuts will be denser and less fluffy.
- How can I prevent the donuts from sticking? Make sure the oil is at the right temperature and do not overcrowd them in the pan.
- Can I bake the donuts? Yes, you can bake the donuts at 180 °C for 15-20 minutes, but they will not have the same crispy texture as fried ones.

Let’s enjoy these fluffy lemon donuts together, which will not only bring smiles but will turn any meal into a celebration! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: - 500 g flour - 2 eggs - 2 tablespoons of thick yogurt - 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/2 cup milk - 1 packet of yeast - zest of one lemon - lemon essence (optional) - powdered sugar (for dusting) - oil for frying