Aromatic Lent Donuts

Vegan Flavored Donuts

Donuts are a beloved dessert for many of us, often associated with pleasant childhood memories. These vegan flavored donuts are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, providing you with a perfect option to indulge without using animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, they are simple, quick, and full of fresh flavors that will delight your senses.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 15 donuts

Required ingredients:

- 200 g durum wheat flour
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 150 ml fresh orange juice
- 100 ml water
- 20 g fresh yeast
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (approx. 10 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil (plus additional oil for frying)
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step for perfect donuts

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by sifting the two types of flour (durum wheat flour and all-purpose flour) into a large bowl. This process not only helps remove any impurities but also aerates the flour, leading to a fluffier texture for the donuts. Add the salt and vanilla sugar, mixing well.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small saucepan, warm the water. Do not let it boil, just warm it up. Add the fresh yeast and sugar, stirring gently until the yeast is completely dissolved. Add the lemon and orange zest to infuse the mixture with fresh flavors. Cover the saucepan with a clean towel and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active.

3. Preparing the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Begin kneading by gradually adding the warm orange juice. It’s important not to add all the juice at once, but gradually, to control the dough’s consistency. Finally, add the oil gradually and continue kneading until you obtain a non-sticky and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it, as the donuts will lose their fluffiness.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot to rise. Let it sit until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 hour. You can check the progress during this step, admiring how the dough becomes fluffier.

5. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Using a glass or a cutter, cut circles from the dough. You can create a variety of shapes using different cutters if you wish. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes.

6. Frying the donuts: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Check if it’s hot enough by using a small piece of dough; if it floats to the surface and starts to sizzle, it’s ready. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying.

7. Finishing the donuts: After the donuts are fried, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Place them on a plate and generously dust with powdered vanilla sugar. You can also decorate them with lemon or orange zest for a more festive look.

Useful tips:

- Checking the yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve a well-risen dough. You can do a simple test: if the yeast forms foam in warm water, it’s good to use.
- Flavoring: Experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, by adding them to the dough for a distinctive note.
- Serving: These donuts are excellent both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, or transform them into a delicious dessert with vegan vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional information:

These vegan flavored donuts contain approximately 120 calories each, offering a good balance between carbohydrates and healthy fats. Thanks to the orange juice, the donuts are rich in vitamin C, while the lemon and orange zest add valuable antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Substitute 20 g of fresh yeast with about 7 g of dry yeast.

- How can I store the donuts?
The donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly in the microwave to restore their fluffy texture.

- Can I add filling to the donuts?
Absolutely! You can add fruit jam or vegan chocolate in the center of the donuts before frying for a burst of flavors.

So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and start making these vegan flavored donuts, perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, they are sure to bring a smile to your face and your loved ones. Enjoy!