Doughnuts (grandma's recipe)

Fluffy Donuts Like Grandma's – Family Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Donuts are a dessert that reminds us of childhood, of moments spent in grandma's kitchen, where every bite was an explosion of flavor and nostalgia. These fluffy delights are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a lazy weekend morning, a party with friends, or simply when you're craving something sweet. Let's start this culinary journey!

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (ideal for baking)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 egg (to give consistency to the dough)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
- 250 ml milk + water (you can use 200 ml milk and 50 ml water for a fluffier texture)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or a sachet of dry yeast if you don't have it on hand)
- powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by warming the milk slightly (it should be lukewarm, not hot) and add the cube of yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will make the donuts fluffy and airy.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the egg, sugar, salt, and activated yeast. This mix of ingredients will create the perfect base for your dough.

3. Incorporating the liquid ingredients: Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the oil and the milk-water mixture. The dough should become soft and slightly sticky. If it's too wet, you can add a little more flour; if it's too dry, you can add a bit more oil.

4. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and easily pulls away from your hands. This step is important, as kneading will activate the gluten in the flour, giving the donuts a pleasant texture.

5. Allowing to rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in volume. You can place the bowl next to a radiator or in an oven preheated to 30 degrees, then turned off.

6. Shaping the donuts: Once the dough has risen, grease a work surface with a little oil and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out the donut shapes. You can also make holes in the middle for traditional-style donuts.

7. Frying: In a deep pot, heat oil (about 5 cm deep). Check the oil temperature by placing a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Each donut is fried for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the oil temperature will drop, and the donuts won't cook evenly.

8. Finishing: After frying the donuts, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar – this detail gives them an irresistible look and perfect sweetness.

Serving and variations:

Donuts are delicious served warm, but you can also personalize them and add a unique touch. Try filling them with fruit jam, melted chocolate, or vanilla cream for an extra flavor. You can serve them alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea, turning them into a perfect dessert for a relaxing afternoon.

Nutritional benefits:

These donuts are a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Although they are a dessert, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. The egg yolk brings proteins and healthy fats, while the yeast contains B vitamins, essential for metabolism.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast. One sachet is equivalent to about 25 g of fresh yeast. Add it directly to the flour and follow the remaining steps.

2. How can I make the donuts less greasy?
- You can try baking them instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the donuts for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

3. What other flavors can I add?
- You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh flavor. Additionally, a splash of vanilla extract will enhance the taste.

I hope this donut recipe takes you back to summer days spent in grandma's kitchen. Enjoy the cooking process, experiment with variations, and don't forget to share the results with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!