Doughnuts

Fluffy Lemon Donuts

Donuts are a classic dessert that remind us of childhood and moments spent with loved ones. These delicious fluffy donuts, flavored with lemon and dusted with sugar, are perfect for any occasion, from festive breakfasts to quick snacks on lazy afternoons. In this recipe, we will explore each step of the cooking process, ensuring you achieve the best results. Get your ingredients ready and let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 12 donuts

Ingredients:
- 500 g of flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g of sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 200 ml of orange juice (preferably fizzy)
- Oil for frying (approximately 1 liter)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

The history of donuts is fascinating. These fried delights have been made throughout history in various forms and with different ingredients. In many cultures, donuts are associated with celebrations and festivities, served as a symbol of joy and prosperity. Today, we will focus on a simple yet flavorful version.

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, creating a nest in the middle. This will be where we add the wet ingredients. Add the yeast cube into the nest along with the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. The lemon zest will give the donuts a fresh and invigorating aroma that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the sugar.

Step 2: Adding the juice
Now, gradually pour in the orange juice, mixing gently with a fork or with your hands until the dough begins to come together. It is important to add the juice gradually to control the consistency of the dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little flour; if it is too hard, you can add a bit more juice.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Once the dough is well combined, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This process is essential, as the yeast will begin to ferment and make the dough rise, giving the donuts that fluffy and airy texture.

Step 4: Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the working surface and turn out the dough. Roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut circles in the dough. You can make them small or large, depending on your preferences. Gather the scraps of dough, form a ball, and repeat the process.

Step 5: Frying the donuts
In a large pot, heat the oil to about 180°C. Test the temperature of the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle and rise to the surface, it’s ready. Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Let them fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden.

Step 6: Decorating
Once the donuts are fried, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly, then generously dust them with powdered sugar. This will not only give them an attractive appearance but also a delicious taste.

Step 7: Serving
Fluffy donuts are best served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For an even more delightful experience, you can serve them with warm chocolate sauce or fruit jam to add an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add a few drops of vanilla or rum essence to the dough for an even more sophisticated taste.
- If you prefer filled donuts, you can add fruit jam or chocolate in the middle of the dough circles before frying.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the donuts to avoid uneven frying.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. The general rule is to use about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast (approximately 8 g of dry yeast for 25 g of fresh yeast). Add the dry yeast to the flour along with the other dry ingredients.
2. What can I do if the donuts don’t rise?
Check if the yeast is active. You can test the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar. If it forms bubbles, it is active. Also, make sure the dough was left in a warm place to rise properly.
3. How can I store the donuts for later?
Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap them well in cling film and place them in the freezer.

Nutritional benefits:
These donuts, although a dessert, also offer some nutritional benefits due to the ingredients used. Flour is a source of carbohydrates, while eggs bring proteins and healthy fats. Orange juice contributes vitamin C, essential for immunity. However, it’s best to consume the donuts in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content from frying.

Fluffy lemon donuts are a simple dessert to make, but with spectacular results. Share them with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!