Lenten doughnuts

Vegan Doughnuts: The Delight That Will Indulge Your Taste Buds

Who could resist fluffy, golden, and fragrant doughnuts? This vegan doughnut recipe will bring a smile to your face and delightful aromas to your kitchen, and the preparation process is simpler than you might think! Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, these doughnuts are perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12 doughnuts

Ingredients:

- 600 g flour
- 2 tablespoons of vegan margarine (such as Rama)
- 100 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- Sparkling water (as needed)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (for the dough)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activating the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the cube of yeast in 100 ml of warm water. Add one tablespoon of the sugar and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on top. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will make the doughnuts fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, remaining sugar, and lemon zest. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them evenly. The lemon zest will add a fresh and pleasant aroma, making the doughnuts even more delicious.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
In the center of the flour mixture, make a well and pour in the activated yeast, vanilla extract, and the 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding sparkling water until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the sparkling water, so add it gradually. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the doughnuts light.

Step 5: Proofing
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy doughnuts.

Step 6: Shaping the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out circles of dough. You can make simple doughnuts or cut out more interesting shapes, depending on your preference. Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a towel. Let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Frying
In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil enough to cover the doughnuts. When the oil is hot (you can check by dropping a bit of dough in and seeing if it sizzles), fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

Step 8: Draining the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts are fried, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step will keep the doughnuts less greasy and more appetizing.

Step 9: Serving
Serve the doughnuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or filled with jam, chocolate, or nut cream, depending on your preference. Vegan doughnuts are delicious and simple, but you can also add a personal touch by glazing them with melted chocolate or sprinkling them with shredded coconut.

Helpful Tips:
- If you don’t have margarine, you can use coconut oil or another type of vegetable fat.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
- If you want to personalize your doughnuts, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

How many calories do vegan doughnuts have?
One doughnut has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed. While they are an indulgent dessert, vegan doughnuts can be enjoyed in moderation. They provide quickly absorbed carbohydrates, as well as a dose of joy that can't be quantified!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, which will activate just like fresh yeast.
- Can I make the doughnuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with a combination of gluten-free flour, such as commercial baking mixes.

Delicious Pairings:
Vegan doughnuts pair perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or black coffee. You can also serve them with chocolate sauce or maple syrup for an even richer taste.

This vegan doughnut recipe is not only simple and quick but also an opportunity to explore creativity in the kitchen. So, put on your chef's apron and enjoy every step of this culinary process! Savor your freshly made doughnuts and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 600 g flour, 2 tablespoons of Rama margarine, 100 ml warm water, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, one vanilla essence, lemon zest, one teaspoon of salt, one cube of yeast, sparkling water, 5 tablespoons of olive oil, sunflower oil for frying.

 Tags:  vegan donuts