Korean Doughnuts - Hoddeok

Korean Doughnuts - Hoddeok

Welcome to the delicious world of Korean doughnuts, known as Hoddeok! These treats are perfect for bringing warmth and comfort to any day. Hoddeok doughnuts are loved for their soft texture and sweet filling, making them ideal for a dessert or a snack. Although their origins lie in Korean culinary culture, the necessary ingredients are easily accessible in our kitchens. I encourage you to try them, you will discover a unique and comforting taste!

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8 doughnuts

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 ml of warm water (approximately 37-40 °C, the ideal temperature for activating yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (you can use white or brown sugar, each adding a distinct note)
- 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon of oil (the oil will help achieve a fluffier texture)
- 250 g of flour (type 650 flour is ideal for a soft dough)

For the filling:
- 6 tablespoons of white or brown sugar (brown sugar will give a caramelized taste)
- 1 tablespoon of Kotanyi cinnamon (a spice that adds flavor and warmth)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Start by preparing the yeast mixture. In a bowl, combine warm water with sugar and add the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. In another bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well, then make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the oil and start mixing with a spoon or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms.

3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until the volume of the dough doubles. Don’t rush! Rising is essential for fluffy doughnuts.

4. Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the air bubbles. Cover it again and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon. This combination will give the doughnuts an irresistible aroma!

6. After the dough has risen again, sprinkle some flour on a work surface and roll out a sheet of dough about 1 cm thick. Using a cutter or a glass, cut out round shapes from the dough.

7. Take a piece of round dough and gently flatten it in your palm. Add a tablespoon of the sugar and cinnamon mixture in the center, then close the dough so that the filling is well sealed inside. Form a ball.

8. Cut another circle from the dough and place it on top of the formed ball, pressing gently to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

9. In a deep pan, heat enough oil to fry the doughnuts. Make sure the oil is well heated but not smoking to avoid burning the doughnuts.

10. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Be sure to turn them carefully using a spatula. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

11. Serve them warm, dusted with a little powdered sugar, to add a touch of elegance. Hoddeok doughnuts are delicious and simple, perfectly suited for a relaxing afternoon or a special dessert.

Helpful tips:

- If you want a healthier version, you can replace white sugar with honey or maple syrup. The doughnuts will have a different taste but just as delicious!
- You can add chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds to the filling for a crunchy texture.
- These doughnuts pair perfectly with a cup of green tea or a creamy latte, bringing a touch of elegance to any meal.

Nutritional benefits:

Hoddeok doughnuts contain carbohydrates from the flour, which provide energy, and cinnamon has antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. By adding nuts, you can enhance the content of proteins and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of flour is best for Hoddeok?
Type 650 flour is ideal for achieving a soft and elastic dough, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

2. Can I make Hoddeok doughnuts without yeast?
Technically, yeast is essential for achieving fluffy doughnuts. However, if you want to try them without yeast, you can use baking powder, but the texture will be different.

3. How can I store leftover doughnuts?
You can keep the doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat them, you can fry them lightly again or heat them in the microwave.

Korean Hoddeok doughnuts are a culinary experience that blends tradition and innovation, turning a simple snack into a true delicacy. I encourage you to try them and share them with your loved ones. You may discover a new favorite recipe!