Beer doughnuts (vegan)

Beer Donuts (Lenten)

During Lent, donuts become a true delicacy that should not be missing from our menu. This beer donut recipe is not only easy to make but also extremely fluffy and flavorful, bringing a touch of joy in every bite. The origins of donuts are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, where fried sweets have always been appreciated for their light texture and delicious taste. I invite you to discover this beer donut recipe, which will surely become your favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 donuts

Ingredients:

- 1 kg flour (choose a good quality flour with medium gluten content)
- ½ cup beer (choose a light beer for a more balanced taste)
- About ¾ cup mineral water (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- Zest of one orange (a citrus note that enriches the aroma)
- 4-5 tablespoons oil (for kneading and frying)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting the donuts)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. This step is essential, especially for the flour and mineral water, as warm ingredients help activate the yeast.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small saucepan, warm a little mineral water until it becomes lukewarm (not hot!). In a small bowl, rub the yeast with ½ tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of warm mineral water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and mix with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the lemon zest, orange zest, beer, vanilla essence, and the activated yeast mixture. Start kneading, gradually adding warm mineral water until the dough becomes elastic, non-sticky, and easy to handle.

4. Adding the oil: Once the dough begins to come together, add the oil and continue kneading for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but easy to shape.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel and let it sit in a warm place to rise for one hour or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining fluffy donuts.

6. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it gently, then roll it out with a rolling pin, forming a sheet about 1 cm thick. Using a large glass, cut out circles, and with a smaller glass, cut out the center of each circle to form rings.

7. Frying the donuts: In a deep frying pan, heat the oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking to avoid burning the donuts. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Serving: Dust the donuts with powdered sugar and serve them warm. These donuts are delicious on their own but can also be accompanied by fruit jam or melted chocolate for an extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Make sure to check the expiration date of the yeast for the best results.
- If you want to experiment, add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a more complex flavor.
- The donuts can be frozen after frying, and before serving, you can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

Nutritional values (per estimated serving):

- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, following the instructions on the package for activation.

2. How can I make the donuts less greasy?
Try baking the donuts instead of frying them, at a temperature of 180°C for 15-20 minutes.

3. Are there variations of this recipe?
Certainly! You can add cocoa to the dough for chocolate donuts or experiment with different flavors of essences (almond, rum).

This beer donut recipe is perfect not only for the Lenten period but also for any special occasion or simply to treat your family. Whether you enjoy them plain, with jam, or chocolate, the donuts will bring a touch of joy to every day! Enjoy your meal!