Donuts a la Motan la Oale

Fluffy Donuts Like a Dream

When it comes to desserts that bring a smile to our faces, donuts are definitely on the favorite list! This donut recipe, inspired by the Cat's recipe, is perfect for a family afternoon or a weekend party. Easy to make and extremely delicious, these donuts will quickly become a classic in your home. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 90 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 120 minutes
Number of servings: 20-24 donuts

Ingredients:
- 600 g wheat flour (preferably type 000)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (not hot)
- 50 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 30 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Useful tips for preparation:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal dough texture.
- If you prefer fresh yeast, mix it with a tablespoon of sugar and a little lukewarm milk, then let it rise for 10-15 minutes. If using dry yeast, you can add it directly to the flour.
- Using a clean bowl greased with butter for dough rising will help prevent sticking.

Step by step to perfect donuts:

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. If using fresh yeast, mix it with a tablespoon of sugar and a little lukewarm milk, then let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until it bubbles. If using dry yeast, it can be mixed directly into the flour.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Add the yeast (in the case of dry yeast), beaten eggs with a fork, lukewarm milk mixed with sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands until a dough forms.

3. Adding the butter: Once the dough is homogenized, add the soft butter at room temperature and knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands (about 10 minutes).

4. Rising the dough: Grease a clean bowl with butter and place the dough in it, covering it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. A trick I use is to let the dough rise in the microwave, which provides a warm and consistent atmosphere.

5. Shaping the donuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a glass or a special cutting ring, cut out the donuts to the desired size. Place them on a floured baking tray and cover them with a towel to let them rise for another 15 minutes.

6. Frying the donuts: In a pot or deep fryer, heat the oil (about 5 cm deep) to a temperature of 180-190°C. It is important that the oil is hot enough so that the donuts fry evenly and do not absorb too much oil. Place the donuts in the oil with the side that was on the table facing up; they will puff up nicely, and if the oil is sufficient, they will turn over on their own!

7. Finishing: Fry the donuts on both sides until golden (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Remove them onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil and finally dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving suggestions and variations:
- These donuts are delicious on their own, but you can fill them with chocolate cream, pudding, or fruit jam for an explosion of flavors.
- A delicious variation is to add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to the dough for a fresh taste.
- You can try serving them with a cup of flavored coffee or hot tea – the combination is superb!

Nutritional benefits:
Donuts are a dessert that provides a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar. A moderate portion can be enjoyed without drastically affecting your daily diet, but it is good to be mindful of portions, considering the caloric content. Each donut has about 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of oil absorbed.

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 donuts fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, but consume them shortly to enjoy their freshness.

3. Can I freeze donuts?
Yes, donuts can be frozen after they have completely cooled. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or a freezer bag.

So, don't hesitate to put your cooking skills to the test and enjoy the delights of these fluffy donuts! Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack between meals, or at a party, they will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy!