Lenten donuts

Lenten Doughnuts. A classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition, that will bring a smile to your face no matter the occasion. These doughnuts are easy to prepare and pair perfectly with a warm tea or a fragrant coffee. You don't need to be a kitchen expert to make them; with a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll enjoy a delicious dessert that will remind you of your childhood.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g flour (for a fluffy texture, use type 000 flour)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (make sure it's not too hot, so it doesn't kill the yeast)
- 50 ml oil (choose a neutral-tasting oil, such as sunflower oil)
- 25 g fresh yeast or 1 packet of dry yeast (check the expiration date to ensure it is active)
- Grated zest of 1 orange (for an extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (salt helps to enhance the flavor)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (if you like sweeter doughnuts, you can add an extra tablespoon)

Step by step for perfect doughnuts

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and orange zest. These ingredients will add a wonderful aroma to your doughnuts. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the yeast. Then, gradually pour in the lukewarm water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or your hands. It's important to use lukewarm water, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 2: Kneading the dough
When the ingredients are well mixed, knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Add the oil and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and delicious doughnuts.

Step 3: Letting it rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little 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 as it helps the yeast produce gases, making your doughnuts fluffy and airy.

Step 4: Shaping the doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead it to remove the air, then roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the doughnuts. Make sure the cutter you use is well-greased to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Second rise
Place the cut doughnuts on a greased tray and let them rise for another 10 minutes. This step will help them become even fluffier.

Step 6: Frying the doughnuts
In a deep pan, heat the oil over low heat. It's important not to have it too hot, as the doughnuts can brown too quickly on the outside, leaving them raw on the inside. Fry the doughnuts, two or three at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving and variations

Lenten doughnuts can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. If you want to give them a special touch, you can add a splash of vanilla essence to the dough or cover the doughnuts with melted chocolate. You can also experiment with fillings, such as peach jam or raspberry jelly, adding a teaspoon in the center of each doughnut before frying.

Nutritional benefits

This Lenten doughnut recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious dessert without using animal-derived ingredients. Whole wheat flour, used instead of white, can add extra fiber, and the orange zest brings vitamins and antioxidants. However, it's important to consume the doughnuts in moderation, as they are fried and can contain significant calories.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Just make sure to use the appropriate amount, which is about 7 g.

2. What is the secret to fluffy doughnuts?
Letting the dough rise is essential. Make sure to leave it in a warm place and be patient.

3. How can I keep the doughnuts fresh?
Store them in an airtight container after they have completely cooled. They can be consumed the next day, but to keep them fluffy, it's recommended to enjoy them fresh.

4. What drinks pair well with Lenten doughnuts?
These doughnuts pair perfectly with a warm fruit tea or fragrant coffee. Additionally, a glass of plant-based milk, such as almond milk, can be an excellent choice.

Personal note

This Lenten doughnut recipe reminds me of the evenings spent with my family around the table, where the aroma of oranges and caramelized sugar filled the entire house. I encourage you to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share these doughnuts with your loved ones. Whether you savor them plain, powdered, or with a drizzle of chocolate, these doughnuts will turn any meal into a special moment. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 250 ml warm water, 50 ml oil, 25 g fresh yeast or 1 packet of 7 g yeast, zest from 1 orange, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons sugar