Lenten Donuts

Fluffy and Aromatic Vegan Donuts

Vegan donuts are a delight that anyone can enjoy, even those who choose to temporarily give up animal products. These donuts are not only easy to make but also incredibly fluffy, making them perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack at any time of the day. Preparing them is a true art, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s see how we can transform a few simple ingredients into delicious vegan donuts!

Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 donuts

Ingredients:
- 800 g flour
- 100 ml oil + 700-800 ml for frying
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Approximately 500-600 ml lukewarm sparkling water
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation:

1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and the packet of yeast with a little lukewarm sparkling water. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the yeast rise for 15 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt, remaining sugar, and vanilla sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the risen yeast, lemon and orange zest, vanilla essence, and lukewarm sparkling water. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the oil.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the donuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Using a glass or a mold, cut circles from the dough. Don’t forget to place them on a floured tray to prevent sticking. Let the donuts rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Frying: In a large pot heated with oil over low heat, fry the donuts on both sides until golden. It is important not to overheat the oil; otherwise, the donuts will remain raw inside. Once fried, remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving: Dust the donuts with powdered sugar and serve them warm, alongside a fragrant tea or, for those not fasting, with a cup of warm milk. These fluffy donuts are perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing a touch of joy in every bite.

Practical tips:
- Use lukewarm sparkling water to activate the yeast. Avoid hot water, as it can kill the yeast.
- Adding citrus zest to the dough not only gives it a delicious taste but also aroma, making the donuts more appetizing.
- If you want to personalize them, you can add cinnamon or ground nuts to the dough for an even richer flavor.
- Donuts can also be enjoyed with various fillings. You can add fruit jam or vegan chocolate in the middle for a delicious surprise.

Nutritional information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I keep the donuts fluffy?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If there are leftover donuts, you can gently reheat them in the oven.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, donuts can be frozen. Place them on a tray and let them freeze, then put them in a freezer bag. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature.

These vegan donuts are more than just a simple recipe; they are a way to share joy and culinary tradition with loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe and enjoy a delicious dessert!