Twisted donuts

Knotted Doughnuts: Delicious Recipe and Preparation Techniques

Making knotted doughnuts is a culinary tradition filled with flavor and joy, reminiscent of moments spent with family around the table. These doughnuts, slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. Let's discover together how you can prepare them at home, step by step!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes (including rising time)
Servings: Approximately 12 doughnuts

Ingredients:

- 100 g flour (for the starter)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for the starter)
- Milk (approximately 100 ml, enough to achieve a smooth mixture)
- 1 egg
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 50 g sugar (for the dough)
- 180 g yogurt
- 450 g flour (for the dough)
- Vanilla extract (to taste)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

The Story Behind the Recipe

Knotted doughnuts have a rich and varied history, found in different cultures and culinary traditions. They symbolize not only a delicacy but also the bond between generations, often being made within families. Each homemaker has her own version and secret to the recipe, but they all share the joy of sharing a sweet moment with loved ones.

Step by Step: Making Knotted Doughnuts

1. Preparing the Starter

Start by preparing the starter, an essential element for fluffy doughnuts. In a small bowl, mix 100 g of flour with the dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Gradually add warm milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth but soft mixture. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes, until the starter starts to bubble on the surface.

2. Preparing the Dough

Once the starter has risen, add it to the bread machine bowl (or a large bowl if you don’t have a bread machine). Add the egg, remaining sugar, melted butter, the rest of the milk (approximately 100 ml), and yogurt. Start gradually incorporating the flour (450 g), mixing until you achieve a soft and elastic dough. It’s important that the dough is well kneaded to develop the gluten necessary for fluffy doughnuts. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Rising the Dough

After you have a smooth dough, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the stage where your doughnuts will gain fluffiness.

4. Shaping the Doughnuts

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide the dough into balls the size of golf balls.

Each ball is then rolled into a string about the thickness of a finger. Next, the ends of the string are folded and tied together, forming a knot (like a bow for a gift box). Place the shaped doughnuts on a greased baking tray and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, until they double in size.

5. Frying the Doughnuts

In a deep pan or pot, heat the oil to the ideal temperature (approximately 180°C). Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of dough; if it starts to sizzle and float, the oil is ready.

Fry the doughnuts, one or two at a time, until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow the doughnuts to fry evenly. Once done, remove them to an absorbent towel to drain excess oil.

6. Decorating and Serving

After they have cooled slightly, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar. They are delicious served warm but can also be stored for later enjoyment. You can pair them with chocolate sauce, fruit jam, or even ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Practical Tips

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand, but make sure to knead it enough to develop the gluten.
- For a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat or oat flour.
- If you prefer doughnuts with an exotic touch, add cardamom or cinnamon to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 20 g of fresh yeast instead of 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to dissolve it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.

How can I store the doughnuts for longer?
Frozen doughnuts can be stored for up to a month. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.

What drinks pair well with knotted doughnuts?
These doughnuts can be enjoyed with a fragrant coffee, a warm tea, or even hot chocolate. Additionally, fresh fruit juice can perfectly complement the meal.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of knotted doughnuts (approximately 2 doughnuts) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and oil used. They provide a good source of carbohydrates, making them ideal for giving you the energy you need throughout the day. Additionally, the yogurt in the recipe adds a boost of probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Try this knotted doughnut recipe and let yourself be carried away by their flavors and textures! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and to those you love. Enjoy!