Doughnuts like at the doughnut shop

Doughnuts like from a doughnut shop - a heartfelt recipe

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 doughnuts

The history of doughnuts is one filled with flavor and nostalgia. These fluffy delights have been, over time, the sweet comfort of childhood for many of us, sold at street corners or in small, vibrant doughnut shops. When fried, their aroma filled the air and made us feel at home. Now, I invite you to recreate this experience at home with a simple and delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

- 500 g flour (ideally use type 550 flour for a fluffier texture)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 100 ml sparkling water (the bubbles in the water help aerate the dough)
- 25 g fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (if you prefer, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- Vanilla powdered sugar (for decoration, optional)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 50 ml of lukewarm milk, the 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes. You will know the yeast is ready when it becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, then add the activated yeast, the rest of the lukewarm milk, and the sparkling water. Start kneading the dough with your hands or a mixer with a dough hook. If the dough is sticky, gradually add a pinch of flour until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. Kneading should take about 10 minutes. Look for an elastic and smooth consistency.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30 minutes or until the dough doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy doughnuts.

4. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 12-15) and shape them into balls. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes, covering them with a towel.

5. Heating the oil: In a deep pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Check if the oil is ready for frying by throwing in a small piece of dough - if it starts to dance and rise to the surface, the oil is ready.

6. Frying the doughnuts: Moisten your fingers with oil and flatten each ball of dough into round shapes about 1 cm thick. Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying them on each side until golden (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Make sure not to overcrowd them, to avoid lowering the oil temperature.

7. Finishing: After the doughnuts are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Dust them with vanilla powdered sugar for a sweet and aromatic finish.

Serving suggestions: Doughnuts can be enjoyed plain or with a warm chocolate sauce or fruit jam. For a more sophisticated combination, try serving them with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Alternative ingredient version: You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla essence to the dough for extra flavor. Also, for a healthier version, try replacing part of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutritional information (per doughnut, estimated):

- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can, but you will need about 7 g of dry yeast. Dissolve it in the lukewarm milk just like in the original recipe.

2. How can I tell if the doughnuts are well-fried? The golden color is a good indicator, but they should also be fluffy inside. If in doubt, cut one doughnut in half to check the texture.

3. Can I freeze the doughnuts? Yes, the doughnuts can be frozen! Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature, and if you wish, you can reheat them slightly in the oven to bring back their fluffy texture.

In conclusion, doughnuts are a classic dessert, easy to prepare and perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia into everyday life. Whether enjoyed with loved ones or given as a sweet surprise, they are sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who taste them. Enjoy!