Lenten Doughnuts

Vegan Donuts - A Quick and Warm Delight

Who can resist a serving of warm donuts dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar? These vegan donuts are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack between meals, or at a gathering with friends, these donuts are always an excellent choice. Plus, they contain no animal products, making them perfect for fasting periods. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12-15 donuts

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour (make sure it's good quality for a fluffy texture)
- 500 ml of lukewarm water (ideal for activating the yeast)
- 5 tablespoons of oil (opt for sunflower or canola oil)
- 50 g of fresh yeast (or 25 g of dry yeast)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (this will add sweetness, and the amount can be adjusted to taste)
- A pinch of salt (helps balance the flavors)
- Flavors: vanilla extract, lemon or orange zest (these will add extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar for decoration (to finish off the donuts)

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and achieve a fluffier dough. Make a well in the center of the flour, like a small volcano.

In a separate bowl, add the lukewarm water. It's important that the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Add the sugar and salt, stirring gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add the oil and crumbled yeast. If you're using dry yeast, mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of flour before adding it to activate the fermentation.

Mix these ingredients well until combined, then pour the mixture into the well in the flour. Start kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and slightly sticky but firm enough to pull away from your hands.

Step 2: Letting the Dough Rise

Once you have a smooth dough, cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 45 minutes. The dough will significantly increase in size, becoming fluffy and airy.

Step 3: Shaping the Donuts

After the dough has risen, prepare a clean work surface and sprinkle a little flour or oil on it. Divide the dough into pieces of your desired size. You can shape them into balls or rings, depending on your preference. If you want to fill the donuts, this is the perfect stage to add jam, jelly, or any preferred filling.

Once you’ve shaped the donuts, let them rise on the work surface for another 15 minutes, covered with a damp towel.

Step 4: Frying the Donuts

In a deep pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Check the oil temperature with a small test: drop a piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and browns, the oil is ready.

Fry the donuts until golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the oil temperature will drop, and the donuts won’t fry evenly.

Step 5: Serving

After frying, place the donuts on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. While still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. These vegan donuts are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Helpful Tips:
- You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra aromatic note.
- If you want to make the donuts lower in calories, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use coconut oil, which is a healthier alternative.
- The donuts can be filled with chocolate, vanilla cream, or even savory fillings like mushrooms (though they won’t be vegan).

Nutritional Information:
One donut has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and filling. They provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar. The added oil contributes to the fat content, while flavors like lemon and orange add a touch of vitamin C.

In conclusion, these vegan donuts are not just a simple recipe; they are an invitation to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of plant-based milk, these warm donuts will bring joy and smiles to the faces of those who taste them.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. Can I freeze the vegan donuts?
Yes, uncoated donuts can be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can use fruit jams, chocolate, vanilla cream, or even savory fillings, depending on your preferences.

These vegan donuts are more than just a recipe; they symbolize joy, gatherings, and moments spent with family and friends. So, embark on this culinary adventure and enjoy every bite!