Doughnuts

Fluffy Lemon Donuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Welcome to the wonderful world of fluffy donuts! These delights are a symbol of joy and conviviality, often associated with special moments spent with family or friends. The origins of donuts are lost in the mists of time, but what we know for sure is that every bite brings us happiness and nostalgia. So, let’s start this culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 300 g flour
- 160 ml milk
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 10 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (about 5 g)
- 20 g fresh yeast (about a small cube)
- 50 g melted butter
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Useful

- A large bowl for mixing the ingredients
- A teaspoon or spatula for mixing
- A glass for cutting the donuts
- A deep frying pan
- A sieve for the powdered sugar

Step by Step

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Start by warming 40 ml of milk until it is lukewarm, not hot! Add a teaspoon of sugar and the cube of yeast. Mix well with a teaspoon until the yeast dissolves. Cover the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to turn your donuts into something special.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour with the rest of the milk (120 ml), lemon zest, vanilla sugar, regular sugar, the yeast mixture, and melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients are homogeneous. You will get a sticky dough, but don’t worry, that’s perfect!

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Here comes the fun part! Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes. It may seem like hard work, but we promise the result will be worth the effort. If the dough sticks to your hands, wet your fists in warm water, and that will make kneading much easier. In the end, shape the dough with floured hands into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Dough Rising

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 40 minutes or until the dough doubles in size. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a coffee or tea while waiting for these wonderful donuts!

Step 5: Shaping the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a bit of oil on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick. Use a glass to cut round shapes from the dough. Place them on a tray and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Frying

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the donuts on both sides until golden and crispy. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so the donuts fry evenly. Once they are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Finalizing

When the donuts are hot, dust them with powdered sugar using a sieve. This is the moment to serve them warm, perhaps alongside a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Practical Tips

1. Choose the right flour: Type 550 flour is ideal for donuts as it gives them a fluffy texture.
2. Check the oil temperature: The oil should not be too hot; otherwise, the donuts may burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. You can test the temperature with a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
3. Recipe variations: You can add cinnamon, cocoa, or even melted chocolate to the dough to give the donuts a personalized touch. You can also fill the donuts with jam or chocolate cream after frying.

Nutritional Benefits

These donuts are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour and the fats in the butter. The lemon adds a boost of vitamin C and a fresh taste, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I store the donuts? The donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. I recommend reheating them slightly before serving to restore their fluffy texture.
3. Can the donuts be frozen? Yes, the donuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely, then store them in freezer bags. When you want to consume them, you can thaw them at room temperature or reheat them slightly in the oven.

These fluffy lemon donuts are not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the magic of cooking!