Chinese donuts

Petit Chinois Donuts - A Delicacy with a Story

Who doesn't love donuts? These fluffy, golden delights remind us of family moments, childhood flavors, and the joy of sharing a good meal with loved ones. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for Petit Chinois donuts, inspired by a happy incident when I realized I could transform excess dough into something truly delicious.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking/Frying time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 donuts

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g wheat flour (choose a quality flour, preferably type 650 for a fluffy texture)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 fresh egg
- 100 ml lukewarm milk (use whole milk for a richer flavor)
- 80 g melted butter (gives a fine texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a vanilla pod for an authentic taste)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 350 ml milk (almond or coconut milk can be an interesting alternative)
- 50 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 egg yolks (use farm eggs for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (helps thicken the cream)
- Zest of one orange (adds a note of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Petit Chinois Donuts

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Start by adding all the ingredients for the dough into the bread machine bowl. If you don't have a bread machine, you can do this manually by mixing in a bowl.
2. Activate the kneading and rising program. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Make sure not to leave it unattended, as it can overflow.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. Add the cornstarch and mix gently to avoid lumps.
3. Once the milk has boiled, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, continuing to mix. Then, put everything back in the saucepan over low heat.
4. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing well. Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 3: Forming the Donuts
1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
2. Evenly spread the vanilla cream over the entire surface of the dough. The rolling should be as tight as possible to achieve fluffy donuts.
3. Use kitchen twine to cut the roll into slices about 1 cm thick.

Step 4: Frying the Donuts
1. In a deep skillet, heat the oil to medium temperature. It is essential that the oil is well heated to achieve even frying.
2. Fry each slice of donut on both sides until they become golden and crispy. Choose a low flame to ensure they cook well inside.
3. Once fried, remove the donuts onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil and dust them with sugar.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations
These Petit Chinois donuts are delicious warm, but can also be served at room temperature. I recommend enjoying them with herbal tea or aromatic coffee. A good companion would be vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce, which perfectly complements the flavors.

Tips and Variations
- If you want to add a chocolate note, you can integrate dark chocolate pieces into the vanilla cream.
- Experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give your donuts a unique personality.
- If you prefer less sweet donuts, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and add a little powdered sugar on top.

Nutritional Benefits
These donuts are a source of carbohydrates from the flour, while the egg and milk add essential proteins. Additionally, the orange zest provides a dose of vitamin C, contributing to a healthier immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole grain flour? Yes, but the texture will be different, and the donuts will be denser.
- How many calories does a Petit Chinois donut have? A donut has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.
- How can I store the donuts? You can store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

In conclusion, Petit Chinois donuts are a simple delight to make, with a rich flavor and fluffy texture. With a little patience and love, you can create a memorable dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, let's get cooking and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 300 g flour, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, 1 egg, 100 ml milk, 80 g butter, vanilla essence, 1 pinch of salt. For the filling: 350 ml milk, 50 g sugar, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons starch, grated zest of one orange, vanilla essence.

 Tags:  milk yeast flour vanilla rolls doughnuts