American doughnuts

Fluffy American Donuts

American donuts are a delicacy that has managed to find a place in the hearts and on the tables of many of us. These sweet pastries, slightly crispy on the outside and incredibly fluffy on the inside, are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. They offer a moment of indulgence and joy, regardless of the occasion. I invite you to discover how to easily prepare them, step by step, and enjoy their irresistible aroma and taste.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30-35 minutes
Frying time: 4-5 minutes on each side
Total time: about 1 hour
Number of servings: 15-20 donuts

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup (about 250 ml) of lukewarm milk
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 150 g of chocolate (dark or white, as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 100 g of liquid cream
- Colored sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a larger bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. This well will be where we add the wet ingredients.

2. Activating the yeast:
In another container, add the fresh yeast, lukewarm milk, and sugar. Gently mix and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring your donuts are fluffy.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the yeast has activated, pour the mixture into the well in the flour, add the egg, oil, and salt. Use a spatula or your hands to start mixing the ingredients, adding warm water if necessary until you achieve a dough that is neither too soft nor too hard. The dough should easily pull away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Kneading the dough:
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it helps develop the gluten, which will give the donuts a fluffy texture.

5. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel or plastic wrap, then let it sit in a warm place for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough doubles in volume. This rising process is essential for achieving fluffy donuts.

6. Shaping the donuts:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass to cut circles from the dough. Make sure to try to achieve uniform-sized donuts for even frying.

7. Frying the donuts:
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they become golden. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry them in small batches.

8. Preparing the glaze:
In a small bowl, place the chopped chocolate along with the oil and melt them using a double boiler or in the microwave. Once the chocolate is completely melted, add the liquid cream and mix continuously until smooth. The glaze should be shiny and creamy.

9. Glazing the donuts:
Once the donuts are fried and still warm, dip them in the chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. If desired, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for a festive effect.

10. Serving:
American donuts can be served immediately to enjoy their freshness and warmth. They are delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also as a delightful dessert after a family meal.

Useful tips:
- Oil: Ensure the oil is well heated, but not too hot to avoid burning the donuts. A simple test is to drop a small piece of dough into the hot oil: if it rises to the surface and starts to bubble, it’s time to add the donuts.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough. Also, instead of chocolate glaze, you can use powdered sugar or citrus glaze for a refreshing touch.

Nutritional benefits:
Donuts, although they are a sweet dessert, can provide quick energy due to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar. The oil used in frying can be a source of fats, but it is important to consume these treats in moderation to enjoy them without compromising your diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but reduce the amount to about 8 g (1 packet).

2. How can I store the donuts?
Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want them to stay fresher, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven.

3. Can I make the donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends available in stores, making sure to follow the instructions on the package for the necessary quantities.

So now that you have this detailed recipe full of useful tips, it's time to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones. Your American donuts will surely be a hit!