Yogurt donuts

Fluffy Yogurt Donuts: A Delight That Will Bring a Smile to Your Face

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Frying Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Number of Servings: 20 donuts

Welcome to the world of fluffy yogurt donuts, a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for those moments when you want to bring a touch of joy into your life or the lives of your loved ones. Donuts are a popular dessert that has brought happiness to many family tables, and with this recipe, I will show you how to make them perfectly, so that every bite is an explosion of taste and texture.

Ingredients

- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 200 ml low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon iodized salt
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons oil (for the dough)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Sunflower oil for frying (about 500 ml)
- Powdered sugar for dusting when serving

Ingredient Details

All-purpose flour is the main base of these donuts, providing them with structure and a fluffy texture. I recommend using high-quality flour for the best results. Low-fat yogurt not only reduces fat content but also adds moisture and a delicate flavor. Dry yeast allows the dough to rise quickly, and lemon zest adds a touch of freshness and aroma. Granulated sugar sweetens the donuts, while salt balances all the flavors.

Making the Dough

1. Sifting the Flour: Start by sifting the flour directly into the bread machine bowl. This step helps to aerate the flour and achieve a fluffier dough.

2. Adding Ingredients: Add the whole egg, low-fat yogurt, salt, sugar, lemon zest, and dry yeast. Make sure that the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt, as the latter can inhibit the yeast's activity.

3. Setting the Bread Machine: Set the bread machine to the dough program. Carefully monitor the dough in the first few minutes. If you notice that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little oil. Conversely, if it is too dry, add a bit more flour.

4. Rising: After about 90 minutes, the dough should be well-risen and doubled in volume. Remove it from the bowl and transfer it to a floured work surface.

Shaping the Donuts

5. Rolling the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. You can use a cutter to shape the donuts. This time, I thought to suggest cutting them into heart shapes to add a playful touch, even if it's not a special occasion.

6. Second Rising: Let the shaped donuts rise for another 20-30 minutes, covering them with a clean towel to prevent drying out.

Frying the Donuts

7. Preparing the Oil: In a deep pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, add the sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Check the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough: if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

8. Frying: Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of the donuts, let them fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and fluffy.

9. Draining: After frying, remove the donuts to a platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

10. Serving: Finally, dust powdered sugar over the donuts, giving them an attractive appearance and a sweet taste. You can serve them alongside a portion of fruit jam, melted chocolate, or a vanilla sauce.

My Personal Tip: If you want to make the donuts even more interesting, add a few drops of vanilla essence or cinnamon to the dough. These flavors pair perfectly with the fluffy texture of the donuts.

Nutritional Benefits

These yogurt donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional ones, thanks to the low-fat yogurt, which provides protein and calcium. Additionally, lemon zest offers antioxidants, and the use of yeast ensures a higher fiber content, aiding digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use Greek yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt can be used, but you may need to add a little milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- How can I store the donuts? These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. You can gently reheat them in the microwave to bring them back to life.
- Can I freeze the donuts? Yes, the donuts can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container and freeze. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Delicious Combinations

These fluffy donuts are perfect alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a fragrant tea, or a fruit smoothie. You can also serve them for breakfast with flavored yogurt or a mix of fresh fruits.

Conclusion

Yogurt donuts are an excellent choice for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert or snack. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can bring a touch of joy to every day. Don't forget to experiment and put your personal stamp on the preparation! Enjoy!