Lies (Spoon Doughnuts)

Recipe for Minciunele (Spoon Donuts)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Minciunele, or spoon donuts, are a simple and quick delight, full of flavor and nostalgia. These fluffy donuts are perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack, and they are easy to prepare, even for those less experienced in cooking. The soft and aromatic dough will fill the house with an inviting smell, and each bite will bring a smile to your face.

A brief history of donuts

Donuts, in various shapes and flavors, are a traditional dish found in many cultures. Over time, they have been associated with celebrations, festive meals, and moments of joy. Minciunele are a simplified version that does not require special molds or complicated techniques, making them ideal to prepare with loved ones.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 300 ml warm water
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 lemon essence
- 1 orange essence
- 100 g sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- A pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of oil (plus oil for frying, about 600 ml)

Useful tips for ingredients

- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, type 000 or 550, to achieve fluffy donuts.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, use about 7 g. This will require a shorter activation time, but make sure it is fresh for the best results.
- Flavors: Essences are essential for imparting a special taste. You can experiment with other flavors, such as almonds or rum, to add a personal touch.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to distribute them evenly. Then, add the vanilla, lemon, and orange essences.
In a separate container, warm the water until it is lukewarm (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and gradually add it to the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, start mixing.
Once the water is incorporated, add the slightly warmed oil. Continue mixing until you obtain a soft and sticky dough. Don’t worry if it seems too soft; this is the secret for fluffy donuts!

2. Fermenting the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until the dough doubles in volume. This is the stage where the yeast works its magic, and the donuts will become airy and fluffy.

3. Frying the donuts
In a deep pot or cauldron, heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of about 180°C. It is important for the oil to be hot enough to prevent the donuts from absorbing excess oil.
Using a spoon, take portions of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden and fluffy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to allow the donuts to fry evenly.

4. Rolling in sugar
After frying, remove the donuts onto paper towels to absorb the excess oil. After a few moments, roll them in sugar to give them a sweet and shiny coating.

Serving and variations

Minciunele are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them plain or accompany them with various sauces, such as melted chocolate, fruit sauce, or flavored jams. Another idea is to fill them with chocolate cream or whipped cream, turning them into a decadent dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Using whole wheat flour will change the texture of the donuts, but they will be healthier. You can mix all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a balanced result.

2. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Gradually add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or the donuts will be tough.

3. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, but it is best to consume them on the same day to enjoy their freshness.

Nutritional benefits

These donuts are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, but it is important to consume them in moderation. Sugar and oil contribute to a higher calorie content, so for a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use coconut oil for frying.

In conclusion, minciunele are a quick and simple dessert that will fill your home with aromas and bring you joy. Experiment with different combinations of flavors and fillings to customize them to your taste. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g white flour 15 g yeast 300 ml warm water 1 vanilla essence 1 lemon essence 1 orange essence 100 g sugar 1 pinch of salt 5 tbsp of oil oil for frying (600 ml)

 Tags:  quick doughnuts