Lenten donuts

Vegan Donuts - a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without using any animal-derived ingredients. This vegan donut recipe is not only easy to prepare but also very versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Moreover, they are ideal for any occasion, whether it's a party, a get-together with friends, or simply a sweet snack for yourself.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 40-45 degrees Celsius)
- 25 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 50 ml vegetable oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or a teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 500-600 g flour (type 000 or 550)

Instructions:

1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, add the sugar, oil, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Mix the ingredients well to combine the flavors. The lemon zest will add a fresh aroma and a citrus note to your donuts.

3. Once the yeast is activated, pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon.

4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing constantly until you obtain a soft but not sticky dough. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

5. Sprinkle some flour on the work surface and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for getting fluffy donuts.

6. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl, and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

7. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to about 1-2 cm thick. Use a glass or a cutting ring to cut out the donuts. You can make a hole in the middle for traditional donuts or leave them whole.

8. Let the donuts rise again for 20-30 minutes, covering them with a towel.

9. In a deep pan, heat the oil for frying. Check the oil temperature by dropping a bit of dough – if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, it's ready. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

10. Remove the fried donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or fill them with fruit jam, chocolate, or coconut cream for a more decadent version.

Serving suggestion: Vegan donuts are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a fragrant tea or a soy latte for a unique culinary experience. Vary the fillings and glazes according to the season and your preferences!

These vegan donuts are not only a wonderful choice for fasting days but also a way to enjoy a quick and simple dessert full of flavor. Enjoy them with your loved ones and cherish the moments spent at the table!