Doughnuts

Fluffy donuts braided with lemon zest – a recipe full of memories and delicious flavors!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 donuts

Donuts are a beloved dessert for many generations, holding a special place in the hearts of many. These fluffy donuts, braided or ring-shaped, with a subtle lemon flavor, are perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones. Whether enjoyed at breakfast with a cup of milk or as a sweet snack between meals, donuts are a treat not to be missed.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the fluffiest donuts with an airy texture and wonderful taste. Let's get started!

Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 450 ml warm water (about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Flour, as needed (about 1 kg, but it's good to have more on hand)
- Zest of one medium lemon
- Oil for kneading and frying

Useful tools
- A large bowl for kneading
- A rolling pin
- A glass or a donut cutter
- A deep frying pan

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough
Start by kneading the yeast in a large bowl, adding the warm water and sugar. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. It's important to use warm water, not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly.

2. Adding the ingredients
Once the yeast is activated (you will see bubbles on the surface of the liquid), add the eggs and salt. Mix well. Then, start adding the flour gradually, little by little, stirring continuously. You will notice the dough starting to form.

3. Kneading
Once the dough becomes homogeneous, add the oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) and continue kneading. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Let the dough rise
Grease a large bowl with a little oil and transfer the dough into it. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. A useful trick: if you forget about the dough and it overflows, don't worry! It means it has fermented well.

5. Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, grease the work surface with oil and roll out the dough into a thick sheet about 1-2 cm thick. Using a glass or a cutter, cut circles from the dough. If you want to make braided donuts, cut long strips from the dough and braid them.

6. Flavoring
Sprinkle the grated lemon zest over the donuts for a fresh and aromatic taste. This will add a delicate citrus note, perfect for balancing the sweetness.

7. Frying the donuts
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to a medium temperature (about 180 degrees Celsius). When the oil is hot, add the donuts in small batches to avoid cooling the oil temperature. Fry them until golden brown on one side, then turn them to brown evenly. The process takes about 3-4 minutes on each side.

8. Serving
Remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar or alongside fruit jam. A cup of warm milk or flavored tea pairs perfectly with these fluffy donuts.

Helpful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough. Also, try adding fillings like chocolate, vanilla cream, or jam.
- Dough care: If you want fluffier donuts, let the dough rise longer, even up to two hours, depending on the room temperature.
- Storing the donuts: If you don't consume them immediately, keep the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness. You can reheat them in a pan or microwave.

Nutritional benefits
These donuts are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar. The eggs add protein, and the lemon zest provides antioxidants that can contribute to skin health and the immune system. However, it's best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Don't forget to activate it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the dough.
- How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying? Do a simple test: toss a small piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the surface and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Can I freeze the donuts? Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can freeze them. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature and then fry them a bit to bring back their crispiness.

These fluffy donuts braided with lemon zest are an excellent choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!