Doughnuts

Fluffy, golden donuts that are incredibly delicious – who doesn’t love them? This donut recipe is a true delight that reminds us of the moments spent with family and friends, where each bite fills us with joy. Making these donuts may seem daunting, but with the right steps and a little patience, the result will be worth the wait.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 1 hour (approximately)
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 27 donuts

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 cup of milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 2 eggs
- 200-250 g of flour (type 000 or 650)
- 100 ml of oil for the dough
- 100 g of sugar
- 700 ml of oil for frying
- 200 g of powdered sugar for decoration
- 3-4 packets of vanilla sugar

Step 1: Activating the yeast
To start, take the cube of yeast and dissolve it in a cup of slightly warm milk (not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast). Add a tablespoon of sugar to this mixture to stimulate fermentation. Let the mixture sit warm, in a draft-free area, for about 15 minutes. You will know the yeast is active when it starts to foam on the surface.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the yeast has risen, add the eggs, oil, a pinch of salt, and the remaining milk. Mix well with a spatula or whisk. Start adding the flour gradually, stirring continuously until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It is important not to add all the flour at once, as the consistency may vary depending on humidity.

Step 3: Kneading
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured work surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the donuts will become tough.

Step 4: First rising
After kneading, place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume.

Step 5: Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into equal portions and shape each portion into balls. Place the formed donuts on a platter and let them rise for another 10 minutes.

Step 6: Frying
In a large pot, heat 700 ml of oil over medium heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough – if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts in batches of 3-4 until they are golden on both sides. They should float and puff up, becoming fluffy and delicious.

Step 7: Dusting
After frying the donuts, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar for a sweet and aromatic taste.

Serving suggestions
Donuts are served warm, plain or alongside fruit jams, melted chocolate, or a scoop of ice cream. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, a delicious dessert, or a sweet snack between meals, donuts are sure to be a hit at any party!

Useful tips and variations
- If you want filled donuts, try adding fruit jams or chocolate cream in the center of each donut before frying.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or citrus zest to the dough.
- A healthier option would be to bake the donuts instead of frying them, using a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of 2 donuts contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. While they are an indulgent dessert, donuts provide a quick source of energy due to the sugars and carbohydrates. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount to about 7 g (1 packet).
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active. Also, check the temperature of the environment where you left it to rise; it should be warm but not hot.

Donuts are a treat that can bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Experiment with this recipe and turn it into a family tradition! Enjoy!