Doughnuts - Doughnuts

Fluffy Donuts - Delicious Ciambelle

Who doesn't love fluffy donuts, those delights that entice us with their enchanting aroma and airy texture? Donuts, or ciambelle as we traditionally call them, are a dessert that always brings smiles to the faces of our loved ones, regardless of the occasion. Whether we enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack during the day, or as a special dessert at a party, donuts are always a perfect choice.

These donuts are easy to prepare, and the result will surely please everyone. Let's embark on this culinary journey and discover together each step necessary to achieve the most delicious ciambelle!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12-15 donuts

Ingredients:

For the starter:
- 80 g of flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 50 ml of lukewarm water

For the dough:
- 360 g of flour
- 120 g of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 10 g)
- 80 g of margarine (or butter, if you prefer)
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks

For frying:
- Oil (enough for frying)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar
- Glaze (optional)
- Jam (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the starter
In a small bowl, combine the 80 g of flour with the dry yeast. Gradually add 50 ml of lukewarm water, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Soak the starter in a bowl of warm water and let it rise for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it activates the yeast and will make the donuts fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a larger bowl, combine 360 g of flour, 120 g of sugar, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla sugar. Add the cubed margarine, whole eggs, and egg yolks. Once the starter has risen, drain it well from the water and add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 3: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and no longer stick to your hands. Once you achieve the desired consistency, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

Step 4: Shape the donuts
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface until you obtain a sheet about 1 cm thick. Using a glass, cut circles from the dough. Then, with the help of a glass lid or a bottle cap, cut out the center of the circles to form the donuts.

Step 5: Second rising
Although the traditional recipe suggests a second rising of 20 minutes, I skipped this step and still obtained delicious donuts. However, if you want an even fluffier texture, you can let the donuts rise again. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rest.

Step 6: Fry the donuts
Heat the oil in a deep pan or pot to a temperature of about 170-180°C. Test the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, you are ready to start frying. Fry the donuts in batches until they become golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Step 7: Decorate the donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, you can roll them in powdered sugar or glaze them with a sugar glaze (mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water) for a special appearance and taste. You can also serve them with fruit jam for an extra burst of flavor.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before use to achieve a homogeneous dough.
- Use a thermometer for the oil to avoid frying the donuts at too high a temperature, which could cause them to burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
- If you want to experiment, add flavors like lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh note.

Nutrition and benefits:
These donuts are a source of carbohydrates and contain a moderate amount of sugar, but when consumed in moderation, they can provide a moment of indulgence in your daily diet. If you want a healthier option, you can try reducing the amount of sugar or using whole wheat flour.

Possible variations:
- Stuffed donuts: add fruit jam or chocolate in the middle of the donuts before frying.
- Chocolate glazed donuts: melt chocolate and dip the donuts in it after frying for a decadent dessert.

For a perfect combination, enjoy the donuts with a warm tea, a flavored coffee, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

These fluffy donuts - ciambelle are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring joy and comfort into everyday life. Don't hesitate to share them with your loved ones and create sweet memories together!

 Ingredients: For the starter: 80g flour, 1 packet of dry yeast, 50ml water. For the dough: 360g flour, 120g sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 80g margarine, 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, oil for frying. For decoration: powdered sugar, glaze, jam.