Cheese donuts

Cheese Donuts – The Perfect Indulgence for Any Time of Day

Who can resist a warm, fluffy donut filled with cheese? Cheese donuts are a delicious alternative to classic sweet donuts, making them perfect for an energizing breakfast or a savory snack throughout the day. With a combination of simple ingredients and an accessible preparation technique, these donuts are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

A Brief History of Donuts

Donuts have been cherished across various cultures over time, becoming a symbol of culinary traditions during celebrations. Their origin is lost in the mists of time, but it’s fascinating how each region has adapted the recipe to the ingredients available. Cheese donuts are a variation that combines a fluffy texture with a creamy filling, offering a unique culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the donuts:
- 3 eggs
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g yogurt
- 100 g sugar
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- 200 ml sparkling water

For the cheese filling:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese (or ricotta for a smoother texture)
- 100 g cream cheese (optional, for a creamier filling)
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- Lemon zest (for added flavor)

Step by Step: Making Cheese Donuts

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt and sugar. Create a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast dissolved in a small amount of warm water. If using dry yeast, you can skip this step and add it directly to the flour mixture.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
In the center of the well, add the softened butter, yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Begin mixing with a spatula or your hands, incorporating the wet ingredients into the flour.

3. Kneading the dough:
Gradually add the sparkling water while continuing to knead the dough. It should become elastic and slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour, but avoid overdoing it, as the donuts need to be fluffy.

4. Proofing the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 30-40 minutes. The dough should double in size.

5. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. Ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a mixer for a uniform texture.

6. Forming the donuts:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Add a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each piece.

7. Sealing the donuts:
Fold the edges of the dough pieces, joining the sides and pressing them well with your fingers or a fork to seal the filling.

8. Frying the donuts:
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the donuts, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.

9. Draining excess oil:
After frying, remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

10. Serving:
Cheese donuts can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. You can also pair them with a fruit sauce or a dollop of sour cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful Cooking Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh cottage cheese and high-quality eggs for better flavor.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Filling: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a distinctive note.
- Baked version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the donuts for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: approximately 210
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 10 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use soy cheese?
Yes, for a vegan option, you can use soy cheese or well-drained tofu.

2. How can I store the donuts?
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature.

3. Can the donuts be frozen?
It’s recommended to freeze them before frying. Once frozen, you can fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Delicious Pairings

Cheese donuts pair perfectly with a cup of warm tea or aromatic coffee, but they can also be an ideal accompaniment to a warm soup or a fresh salad. Additionally, you can try serving them with a sweet sauce, such as caramel or chocolate sauce, for a decadent dessert.

In conclusion, cheese donuts are an excellent choice for moments when you want to indulge in something delicious and comforting. Experiment with various ingredients and flavors to turn this recipe into a family favorite!