Simple doughnuts - a classic recipe that takes us back to childhood! These fluffy and golden delights are perfect for any time of the day, whether we enjoy them at breakfast or indulge in them as dessert. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious doughnuts, perfect to be savored alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 600 g flour (choose a type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (suggestion: use vanilla sugar for extra flavor)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water (about 120 ml, not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Grated zest of one orange (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (make sure you have enough oil to cover the doughnuts in the pan)
Preparation
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until it becomes a paste. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, add the remaining sugar, salt, and grated orange zest. These ingredients will add not only flavor but also a pleasant texture to the doughnuts.
3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast. Start mixing with a fork, gradually adding the lukewarm water. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.
4. Kneading: Add the oil to the dough and knead with your hands for about 10 minutes until you get an elastic and non-sticky dough. This step is crucial for fluffy doughnuts! If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
5. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
6. Shaping the doughnuts: Once risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface. Tear off pieces of dough and roll them out with a rolling pin until you get sheets about 1 cm thick. Use a glass to cut out the doughnuts, placing them on a tray with space between them.
7. Second rising: Let the doughnuts rise for another 20-30 minutes. This step will make them fluffier.
8. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. Fry the doughnuts in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
9. Cooling and decorating: Remove the doughnuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Practical tips
- Oil: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. The correct angle for frying is when a small piece of dough thrown into the oil sizzles immediately.
- Variations: You can add flavors like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough. Also, try filling the doughnuts with jam or chocolate after frying for a surprising taste.
- Serving: Doughnuts are excellent alongside tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed with ice cream or cream.
Nutritional benefits
Homemade doughnuts can be a better choice compared to store-bought ones, as you have control over the ingredients. Flour is a good source of carbohydrates, and the orange zest adds vitamin C. Consumed in moderation, these doughnuts can be a delightful treat filled with pleasant memories!
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. It is important to activate it in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.
- How can I store the doughnuts? Doughnuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I make gluten-free doughnuts? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to achieve a good texture.
These simple doughnuts are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Start your culinary adventure and enjoy every bite!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 600 g flour (choose a type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (suggestion: use vanilla sugar for extra flavor)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water (about 120 ml, not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Grated zest of one orange (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (make sure you have enough oil to cover the doughnuts in the pan)
Preparation
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until it becomes a paste. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, add the remaining sugar, salt, and grated orange zest. These ingredients will add not only flavor but also a pleasant texture to the doughnuts.
3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast. Start mixing with a fork, gradually adding the lukewarm water. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.
4. Kneading: Add the oil to the dough and knead with your hands for about 10 minutes until you get an elastic and non-sticky dough. This step is crucial for fluffy doughnuts! If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
5. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
6. Shaping the doughnuts: Once risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface. Tear off pieces of dough and roll them out with a rolling pin until you get sheets about 1 cm thick. Use a glass to cut out the doughnuts, placing them on a tray with space between them.
7. Second rising: Let the doughnuts rise for another 20-30 minutes. This step will make them fluffier.
8. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. Fry the doughnuts in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
9. Cooling and decorating: Remove the doughnuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Practical tips
- Oil: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. The correct angle for frying is when a small piece of dough thrown into the oil sizzles immediately.
- Variations: You can add flavors like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough. Also, try filling the doughnuts with jam or chocolate after frying for a surprising taste.
- Serving: Doughnuts are excellent alongside tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed with ice cream or cream.
Nutritional benefits
Homemade doughnuts can be a better choice compared to store-bought ones, as you have control over the ingredients. Flour is a good source of carbohydrates, and the orange zest adds vitamin C. Consumed in moderation, these doughnuts can be a delightful treat filled with pleasant memories!
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. It is important to activate it in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.
- How can I store the doughnuts? Doughnuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I make gluten-free doughnuts? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to achieve a good texture.
These simple doughnuts are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Start your culinary adventure and enjoy every bite!