Fluffy donuts

Fluffy Doughnuts – a recipe that combines tradition with the nostalgic flavors of childhood. Every morning, the enticing smell of freshly fried doughnuts reminds us of moments spent around the table with loved ones. This recipe, coming from my talented colleague Doina, is simple and accessible, perfect for both beginners and those with experience in the kitchen. Let's discover together how to achieve the fluffiest doughnuts that will bring smiles to the faces of our dear ones!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 doughnuts

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of flour
- 500 ml of sweet milk (preferably whole, for a richer texture)
- 200 g of sugar (or to taste)
- 2 eggs (or 4 if you want to make a double batch)
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 1 cup of oil (for frying, but also a tablespoon for the dough)
- 1 essence of rum (for an extra flavor)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Grated zest of one orange

Step by step to perfect doughnuts:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. Make sure the milk is at room temperature or slightly warm to activate the yeast. If you have dry yeast, you can use about 20 g, but fresh yeast gives a more authentic taste.

2. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, add the milk and sugar, gently stirring to dissolve the sugar. Place the bowl over low heat and let it warm up for a few minutes, but do not boil it. Once the mixture is warm, add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This is the sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the lemon zest and orange zest. These natural flavors will give the doughnuts a delicate taste and an extraordinary aroma.

4. Preparing the dough: Add the eggs and rum essence to the bowl with flour. Start mixing the ingredients, gradually adding the warm milk mixture with the yeast. The last step is to incorporate the oil (one tablespoon into the dough and the rest for frying). Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful activity that will give you a sense of fulfillment!

5. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. In the meantime, you can prepare for the next step.

6. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, divide it into balls the size of a ping-pong ball. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy doughnuts.

7. Frying: In a deep skillet or pot with hot oil, fry the doughnuts over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 180°C) to avoid excessive oil absorption. Fry 3-4 doughnuts at a time, turning them on all sides until golden. This moment is one of the most beautiful, when the aroma of fried doughnuts fills the entire kitchen!

8. Finishing: Once the doughnuts are fried, remove them to a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Finally, dust them with vanilla sugar or granulated sugar, according to preference.

9. Serving: The doughnuts can be served warm, plain, or with a filling of jam, chocolate, or sweet cheese, depending on everyone’s preferences. You can create a special experience by accompanying them with flavored tea or strong coffee.

Useful tips:
- If you want to personalize the doughnuts, you can add flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- The doughnuts are excellent the next day, but they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- You can experiment with various glazes or toppings – from melted chocolate to ground nuts.

Nutritional information:
Per serving, the doughnuts contain approximately 200-250 calories, depending on size and filling. This makes them a delicious option, but in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquids.
- Can I make the doughnuts without yeast? There are recipes that use baking powder, but the texture will be different.
- Can I freeze the doughnuts? Yes, but it is recommended to freeze them unglazed and fry them directly from the freezer.

These fluffy doughnuts are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to create precious memories with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day, each bite will bring joy and warmth to your soul. So don’t hesitate, prepare your ingredients, and let’s enjoy these delicious doughnuts together!