Doughnuts

Fluffy Homemade Donuts: A Classic Recipe with a Hint of Nostalgia

If there is a dessert that brings back childhood memories, it is undoubtedly the donut. This fried delicacy, with its fluffy texture and sweet taste, reminds us of moments when we were spoiled by grandparents or parents. Whether we enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or filled with jam, chocolate, or cream, donuts are a symbol of joy and warmth in the kitchen. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to recreate the perfect donuts, just like the ones mom used to make.

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 donuts

Ingredients:
- 20 tablespoons of flour (about 500 g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 500-600 ml warm water
- 500 ml oil for frying

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Use high-quality flour for the best results. Fresh lemon zest adds a refined taste and unique aroma to the donuts, while the vanilla extract perfectly complements this mix. If you wish, you can experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to add a personal touch.

Step 2: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 100-150 ml of warm water. It is important that the water is not too hot, as it will kill the yeast. Mix well and let sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam appears on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in the dough.

Step 3: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. This will ensure a uniform consistency of the dough.

Step 4: Creating the dough
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten egg and the activated yeast mixture. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, gradually adding warm water until you obtain a dough that can be rolled out. It is normal for the dough to be slightly sticky. Finally, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy donuts.

Step 6: Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the counter and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the donuts. Try to get uniform-sized circles to ensure even frying.

Step 7: Frying the donuts
In a deep pan or a pot, heat the oil to medium temperature (about 180°C). It is important that the oil is hot enough; otherwise, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become heavy. Fry the donuts on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them.

Step 8: Draining the donuts
After frying, remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. This step is crucial for achieving light, not greasy donuts.

Step 9: Serving
The donuts are served warm, dusted with powdered sugar. I suggest enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect combination. You can also add fillings such as raspberry jam or melted chocolate to personalize them.

Helpful tips:
- If you want filled donuts, make a well in the center of each donut and fill it with jam or cream before frying.
- You can keep the unfilled donuts and freeze them. When you want to consume them, thaw and fry them again to restore their freshness.
- Experiment with different flavors of extracts, such as almond or rum, to envelop the donuts in a unique aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
Donuts are generally a carbohydrate-rich dessert, but moderate consumption can provide a quick source of energy. The flour contains fiber, and the egg adds protein, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Typically, 10 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. What other fillings can I use for donuts?
Besides jam and chocolate, you can try vanilla cream, whipped cream, or pudding.
3. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
Donuts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Associated recipes:
Donuts pair perfectly with a serving of jam pancakes or a slice of chocolate cake. Additionally, a warm drink like cappuccino or herbal tea completes the moment perfectly.

With this fluffy donut recipe, I invite you to reminisce about the moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, donuts are always a good choice. So, let’s put on our aprons and get to work!

 Ingredients: 20 tablespoons of flour heaped 2 tablespoons of sugar lemon zest vanilla essence a pinch of salt one egg 25 g fresh yeast 500-600 ml lukewarm water 500 ml oil

 Tags:  doughnuts