Doughnuts

Fluffy, golden, and delicious donuts

Few things can bring as much joy to our lives as freshly fried donuts. This simple and quick recipe for fluffy donuts that I will share with you is perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion. Donuts have a rich history, being a beloved dessert in many cultures throughout the centuries, and now is the time to bring a touch of this tradition into your kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 donuts

Basic ingredients:
- 1 kg of flour
- 100 g of sugar
- 1 egg
- 750 ml of sparkling water
- 50 ml of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 500 ml of oil for frying
- Powdered sugar mixed with vanilla sugar for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. Using ingredients at the right temperature will help achieve the perfect dough texture. It is important to choose a quality flour, preferably one for pastries, which has a lower protein content and will make the donuts fluffier.

Step 2: Activating the yeast
If you don’t have a bread machine, don’t worry! We will activate the yeast manually. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a little sugar and 150 ml of the sparkling water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step to ensure the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg, mixing gently with a fork. Once the egg is incorporated, add the activated yeast mixture and the remaining sparkling water, along with the milk. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Kneading the dough
If you are using a bread machine, set it to the kneading program. If not, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. It is important not to add too much flour, as the donuts will become dense. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1.5 cm. Use a round cutter to cut out the donuts. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 20 minutes. During this time, heat the oil in a pan.

Step 6: Frying the donuts
Heat the oil in a deep pan. Make sure the oil is hot enough, but not so hot that it burns the donuts. You can check the oil temperature by placing a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle and rise to the surface, it is ready for frying. Fry the donuts on both sides for 2-3 minutes until they become golden. Remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Decorating the donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar mixed with vanilla sugar. This will add a delicious flavor and an attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
1. Oil: Use sunflower or peanut oil for frying, as they have a higher smoke point and won’t affect the taste of the donuts.
2. Tasty and varied: You can add flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even chocolate chips to the dough to create donuts with various flavors.
3. Share the joy: Donuts are perfect to be served with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them ideal for a brunch with friends or to bring a touch of cheer to a tired day.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the donuts will have a different texture and may require more water.
2. How can I keep the donuts fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Can I freeze the donuts? Yes, you can freeze the un-fried donuts. Make sure to thaw them well before frying.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade donuts allow for better control over the ingredients used. You can reduce the amount of sugar, use organic ingredients, and even add fruits for an extra boost of vitamins. Although they are a dessert, when consumed in moderation, donuts can be part of a balanced diet.

Now that you have all the steps and tips you need, all that’s left is to get cooking! Your donuts will surely become a family and friends' favorite. Enjoy them during moments of indulgence and savor every bite!