Doughnuts

Fluffy Lemon Donut Recipe

A journey into the world of donuts! These fluffy delights, full of flavor and warmth, are a beloved dessert for many. Whether you enjoy them in the morning with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack in the afternoon, donuts are always an inspired choice. In this recipe, we will explore the necessary steps to achieve the finest donuts, with a fresh hint of lemon. Get ready to become a cooking expert with this quick and simple dessert!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20 donuts

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 200 g sour cream or yogurt
- 200 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- 50 g melted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a refreshing flavor)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for decoration

The story behind the recipe:
Donuts are a classic dessert that has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of joy and family gatherings. Each culture has its own version, but the essence remains the same: a simple dough, fried over high heat, that becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The addition of lemon zest in this recipe gives them a fresh note, perfect for brightening any day.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This is essential for activating the yeast and achieving a fluffy dough. Check that the yeast is fresh to avoid unpleasant surprises.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with salt and sugar. This will ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

3. Activating the yeast: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast. Pour a little yogurt over the yeast and mix gently. It is important not to add all the yogurt at once, as the yeast needs to be activated gradually.

4. Adding the other ingredients: Once the yeast has started to activate, add the remaining ingredients: eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky, but not too tough. If it is too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

6. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

7. Shaping the donuts: After rising, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and roll it out to about 2 cm thick. Using a cup or a donut cutter, cut circles from the dough. Let the donuts rest for 10 minutes.

8. Frying the donuts: In a deep skillet, heat the oil. When it is hot (about 180°C), add the donuts, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.

9. Finishing: Remove the donuts onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil and dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving suggestions and variations:
Donuts can be served plain or with various toppings: fruit jam, melted chocolate, or whipped cream. If you like a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon essence to the dough. For a healthier version, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, although the texture of the donuts will be different.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Why is the temperature of the ingredients important?
Room temperature ingredients help activate the yeast, which will make the donuts fluffier.

2. Can I use another type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use sunflower or peanut oil, but avoid oils with strong flavors, such as olive oil.

3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A simple trick is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it starts to sizzle and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Nutritional benefits:
These donuts are rich in carbohydrates, providing you with the energy needed for an active day. The eggs add protein and healthy fats, while the sour cream contributes beneficial probiotics for digestion. The lemon zest not only adds flavor but also vitamins, thus improving the nutritional profile of the dessert.

In conclusion, fluffy lemon donuts are an excellent choice for any occasion, being easy to prepare and full of flavor. So don’t hesitate, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure! Enjoy!