Doughnuts
Fluffy and Aromatic Donuts
Donuts are one of those desserts that bring a smile to our faces and fill our souls with joy. Whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert, these delicacies have a long history and are loved by people around the world. With a soft texture and a sweet taste, donuts are a perfect choice for any occasion. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best donuts, and the result will surely please everyone.
Total time: 2 hours (preparation: 45 minutes, rising: 1 hour, frying: 15 minutes)
Number of servings: Approximately 20 donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 350 g yogurt
- 350 ml milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml oil (plus oil for frying)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 whole egg + 1 yolk
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 2 packets dry yeast)
- Powdered sugar for serving
Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure they are all at room temperature to facilitate the rising process. It is important to use fresh or high-quality dry yeast to achieve fluffy donuts.
2. In a small pot, add the yogurt, milk, and oil. Heat the mixture over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Once warm, add the sugar and mix well to dissolve.
3. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, dry yeast (or crumble the fresh yeast), and vanilla sugar. Also add the lemon zest for an extra flavor. This combination will give the donuts a fresh and delicious note.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the whole egg and yolk. Pour the warm yogurt, milk, and oil mixture into the center of the flour. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until you have a smooth dough.
5. Now, it's time to get your hands to work! Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too tough. If it's too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or you will end up with dense donuts.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy donuts.
7. After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn out the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. This step is important because the thickness of the dough will affect the final texture of the donuts.
8. Using a glass or a cutter, cut round shapes from the dough. Feel free to use various shapes if you like! This will add a playful element to your dessert. Place the cut donuts on a floured tray and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, in a deep pot, heat the oil for frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 180°C), but do not let it smoke. You can check the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle and rises quickly, it’s time to fry.
10. Fry the donuts in batches of 2-3 at a time to avoid cooling the oil. Cook them until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
11. Once the donuts are fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and then roll them in powdered sugar for a sweet and attractive finish.
Serving:
Donuts are delicious warm, served plain or with a drizzle of fruit jam, chocolate, or vanilla cream. You can also pair them with a cup of aromatic coffee or fragrant tea for a perfect experience.
Practical Tips:
- If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can infuse the dough with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
- You can experiment with fillings like chocolate, cream cheese, or fruit. Simply shape the donuts, fill them with your desired ingredients, and seal them well before frying.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but they are most delicious when consumed freshly fried.
Nutritional Benefits:
These donuts contain simple ingredients, and the yogurt and milk add a source of protein and calcium. Although they are a sweet dessert, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What type of flour should I use?
It is recommended to use white wheat flour, but you can experiment with a combination of whole wheat flour for a richer and healthier taste.
2. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package regarding the quantity.
3. How can I avoid oily donuts?
Make sure the oil is hot enough and do not fry too many donuts at once to maintain a constant temperature.
4. What drinks pair well with donuts?
These donuts pair perfectly with aromatic coffee, herbal tea, or a fresh smoothie, depending on your preferences.
Now that you know all the secrets to making the most delicious donuts, don’t hesitate to try the recipe and surprise your family and friends with this simple yet spectacular dessert. Enjoy every bite and savor the moments spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 350g yogurt, 350ml milk, a pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons sugar, 50ml oil, 1 packet vanilla sugar, zest of one lemon, 1 whole egg plus 1 yolk, 50g yeast (or 2 packets of dry yeast), oil for frying, powdered sugar for serving.
