Doughnuts

Donuts - a treat that brings smiles to everyone's faces! These fluffy and aromatic delights are perfect for a sweet snack, a quick dessert, or even to add a touch of joy to any meal. It combines tradition with the joy of cooking, and I invite you to explore the recipe for these delicious donuts step by step.

Preparation time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Rising: 2 hours + 15 minutes
- Frying: 10 minutes
- Total: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:
- 150 ml plain yogurt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar (about 100 g)
- 40 g fresh yeast
- Zest of one lemon
- Flour (about 500 g, as needed)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Jam, chocolate, or other toppings (optional)

The history of delicious donuts
Donuts are an ancient culinary tradition that has gained popularity worldwide. From small pastries that brought joy during festive days to the simplest family recipes, donuts have evolved into various shapes and flavors. The lemon aroma that permeates the dough adds a note of freshness, turning every bite into an unforgettable experience.

Step by step - Donuts

1. Activating the yeast
Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Make sure the water is not hot, as it can kill the microorganisms in the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the plain yogurt, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. After the yeast has activated, add it to the yogurt mixture.

3. Incorporating the flour
Begin to add the flour gradually, mixing continuously. When the dough becomes firm enough to be kneaded, transfer it to a lightly oiled work surface.

4. Kneading
Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can result in tough donuts.

5. First rising
Place the dough in a bowl greased with oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, grease the work surface with oil and turn the dough out. Form long rolls about 1-2 cm thick and cut pieces of about 10 cm. Join the ends of each piece to form rings.

7. Second rising
Let the donuts rise again for 10-15 minutes, covered with a towel. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

8. Frying the donuts
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Check the oil temperature by adding a small cube of dough; if it starts to sizzle and float, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Use a spatula to remove them and let them drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving and variations
Donuts can be served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or with your favorite toppings: melted chocolate, fruit jam, or even a vanilla glaze. They are excellent both warm and cold, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert at the end of a meal.

Useful tips
- Ensure the yeast is fresh for fluffy donuts.
- Use warm, not hot, water for activating the yeast.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding vanilla or almond extracts to the dough.
- If you want more flavorful donuts, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.

Nutritional benefits
These donuts are a source of carbohydrates, and yogurt adds a note of protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Additionally, lemon zest provides vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and higher nutritional value.

2. What else can I add to the dough?
You can experiment with dried fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips to create donuts with various flavors.

3. How can I store the donuts?
Donuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

These donuts are more than just a recipe; they are a cooking experience that brings family and friends together. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy every step of this culinary adventure! Enjoy your meal!