Mom's Doughnuts

Mom's Donuts: A Heartfelt Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't fondly remember the aroma of freshly fried donuts that filled the house with an irresistible scent? It's a recipe that connects us to childhood and reminds us of moments spent with loved ones. Today, I will share with you the recipe for Mom's donuts, a simple yet nostalgic recipe with a delicious taste. Additionally, I will include some tips and tricks to help you achieve the fluffiest and most flavorful donuts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Frying time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: approx. 20 donuts

Essential ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Zest of one lemon (fresh, for a more vibrant flavor)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 50 ml oil (plus oil for frying)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml warm water (or milk, for a richer flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparing the donut dough:
1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Weigh 1 kg of flour and place it in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve 25 g of fresh yeast in 500 ml of warm water (or milk). Make sure the water is not too hot, otherwise, the yeast will die, and the donuts will not rise.
3. Make a well in the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the beaten egg along with the grated lemon zest, which will bring a fresh note to the donuts.
4. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water until you get a dough that is neither too soft nor too hard. It is important to be patient at this stage, as proper kneading will ensure fluffy and airy donuts.
5. Once you have achieved a smooth consistency, gradually add 50 ml of oil and continue kneading until the oil is fully incorporated into the dough.

Rising the dough:
1. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour in a warm place. You will know it’s ready when the dough doubles in volume, becoming fluffy and airy.

Shaping the donuts:
1. After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick.
2. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut circles from the dough. If you want filled donuts, you can make them smaller and add a teaspoon of jam or chocolate before folding them.
3. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Frying the donuts:
1. In a deep skillet or pot, heat enough oil to cover the donuts. The oil temperature is crucial - if it’s too cold, the donuts will absorb oil and be heavy, and if it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly and not cook well inside.
2. Fry the donuts until they are golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
3. After frying, remove the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Decorating and serving:
1. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm donuts, giving them an appetizing and sweet appearance.
2. Mom's donuts are served warm, perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. They can also be excellent as a dessert for a family meal or as a snack between meals.

Practical tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add flavors such as vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough for an extra taste.
- The donuts can be filled with various jams, chocolate cream, or even sweet cheese, to add a touch of originality.
- Another delicious variation is to glaze them with melted chocolate or cover them with shredded coconut.

Nutritional benefits:
Donuts are a little indulgence, but if consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. The flour provides necessary carbohydrates, while the egg adds protein. So, remember to enjoy them with joy and share them with loved ones!

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 quantity (approximately 7 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast).
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the water is not too hot. Also, check the room temperature; a warm place helps with better fermentation.
- Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, unfilled donuts can be frozen. Before consuming, let them thaw and warm them slightly to restore their freshness.

These Mom's donuts are a true delicacy, easy to prepare, full of warmth and memories. I encourage you to try them and let yourself be inspired by their flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!