Sidy's Donuts

The 'a la Sidy' donuts are a delicacy that will transform any ordinary day into a special moment. With a fluffy texture and an inviting lemon scent, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. This recipe is simple, but every step matters to achieve a perfect result. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious donuts!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 donuts

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of flour
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 200 g of granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one lemon
- 1.5 liters of sparkling water
- 1 liter of frying oil
- 1 vial of lemon essence
- 100 ml of milk

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 100 ml of warm milk and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until bubbles form and the yeast doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, place the sifted flour, salt, and the remaining sugar. Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon essence. Start incorporating the activated yeast, mixing with a spatula or your hands.

Gradually add the sparkling water, mixing constantly until the dough becomes homogeneous. It is important to use sparkling water, as it will help achieve a fluffier texture. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes elastic and bubbles form. This step is essential for gluten development, which will give the donuts that perfect consistency.

Step 3: First rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts. The dough should double in volume.

Step 4: Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1.5 cm. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out the donuts. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 5: Frying the donuts
In a deep pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. It is important for the oil to be hot enough so that the donuts brown nicely but do not absorb too much oil. You can check the oil temperature with a simple test: drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.

Fry the donuts on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. Once they are done, remove them to an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil.

Step 6: Serving
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an even more delicious flavor. These donuts are excellent served warm, alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh; check the expiration date before use.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding a few drops of vanilla essence or a bit of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you want to enjoy less calorie-dense donuts, you can try baking them instead of frying, but the texture will be different.

Nutritional information:
One donut has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on size and the amount of sugar used. They contain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, being a good source of energy. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, especially if you are following a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but use an amount of about 14 g, according to the instructions on the package.

2. Can I substitute sparkling water with regular water?
While it is possible, sparkling water contributes to the fluffy texture of the donuts, so it is recommended to use it for the best results.

3. How can I keep the donuts fresh for longer?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, but do not keep them for too long to avoid drying out.

So, don't hesitate! Try making these 'a la Sidy' donuts and let yourself be carried away by their wonderful taste. They will surely become your favorites and those of your loved ones!