Doughnuts

Fluffy Donut Recipe with Jam

Donuts are a traditional dessert loved by all generations. These delicious treats have been prepared and enjoyed in various forms and combinations over time, becoming a symbol of joy and moments spent with loved ones. In this recipe, we will focus on fluffy donuts filled with jam, a perfect choice for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:

- 600 g of flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 pinch of salt (about 5 g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (30 g)
- Grated zest of one lemon or orange (optional, for a fragrant taste)
- 100 g of melted butter
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 500 ml of lukewarm milk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (10 g)
- Oil for frying

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by warming the milk until it reaches a lukewarm temperature, but not hot. Add the fresh yeast, melted butter, salt, and sugar, stirring gently until the yeast completely dissolves. It is important for the milk to be lukewarm, as the heat will activate the yeast, making the donuts fluffier.

2. Adding wet ingredients
After the yeast has dissolved, add the eggs and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. This step will add extra flavor and a sweet taste to the donuts.

3. Incorporating the flour
Start adding the flour gradually. It is good to sift it to avoid lumps. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix, then knead. When the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and continue kneading for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

4. Letting it rise
Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, covering it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial step that will make the donuts fluffy and airy.

5. Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a work surface into a thick sheet, about 1 cm. Use a glass to cut circles from the dough. On each circle, place a tablespoon of jam (preferably plum or apricot). Then, fold the half circle over the filling and press the edges well to seal the donuts. Use the glass again to cut the donuts.

6. Frying
In a deep pot or a pan, heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 180°C. Make sure the oil is deep enough to allow the donuts to float. Fry two to three donuts at a time for 20 seconds on each side until golden. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving
Let the donuts cool slightly, then you can dust them with powdered sugar for a festive look. They are served warm and are perfect to be accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical tips:

- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jam, from figs to raspberries. Choose a thicker jam to avoid leaks.
- Flavors: Lemon or orange zest is not mandatory, but adds extra flavor. You can also try flavor essences, such as almond or rum.
- Variations: You can add chocolate or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- What can I use instead of fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, in a quantity of half that of fresh (about 12 g). Make sure to dissolve it in lukewarm milk, just like in the recipe.

- Why don’t the donuts rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm enough. If the temperature is too high, the yeast will die, and the donuts will not rise.

Nutritional benefits:
These donuts are a source of carbohydrates from flour, providing quick energy. Additionally, the eggs add essential proteins, and the jam provides vitamins and minerals, depending on the fruits used.

Serving suggestions:
For an unforgettable culinary experience, you can serve the donuts with a scoop of ice cream or with a warm chocolate sauce. These will add a decadent touch to your dessert and transform every bite into a true delight.

Fluffy donuts with jam are a recipe that not only will delight your taste buds but will also encourage you to invite family and friends to enjoy them together. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 600g of flour, a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon/orange zest, 100g melted butter, a cube of yeast, 2 eggs, 500 ml of milk, 1 packet of vanilla sugar