Savory donuts, Fried gnocchi

Savory Doughnuts - Gnocchi Fritti

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Savory doughnuts, also known as gnocchi fritti, are a delicious and versatile Italian appetizer, perfect for serving at parties or as a savory snack. These doughnuts are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and their combination of textures makes them irresistible. By following this simple recipe, you will achieve amazing results, and adding some spices or flavorful cheeses will transform this dish into a unique delicacy.

Ingredients:

- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 250 ml warm water
- 10 g fresh yeast (or 5 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy – this is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the olive oil. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms.

3. Kneading: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to add too much.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use a knife or a round cutter to cut out the desired shapes – you can opt for squares, diamonds, or even more creative shapes.

6. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Check if the oil is ready by dropping in a piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle, it's time to fry. Add the doughnuts to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving: Serve the savory doughnuts warm, alongside yogurt sauces, pesto, or spicy ketchup. You can sprinkle them with grated cheese or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient variations: You can add spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to the dough for a special flavor. You can also experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan added to the dough.
- Finding the ideal place for rising: If it’s cold outside, you can preheat the oven to 50 degrees Celsius and then turn it off. Place the bowl with the dough inside to create an ideal warm environment for rising.

These savory doughnuts are not only an excellent appetizer but also a fun way to gather friends around the table. Whether you choose to serve them plain or personalize them with various toppings, they will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes them. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, no special requirements but preferably 25 g fresh or dry yeast for 500 g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 100 ml milk, 250 ml warm water, 1 tablespoon olive oil.