Spiral Donuts

To turn pizza dough scraps into a crispy and flavorful delicacy, we need a little imagination and a few minimal ingredients. The preparation process is simple, but the result will surely be impressive. We start by ensuring that the dough we have is well-kneaded. If the dough is leftover from a pizza crust, it is essential that it is elastic and has risen properly.

The first step is to knead it carefully, making sure all the ingredients are combined. You may have used flour, water, yeast, salt, and a little olive oil, but it doesn't hurt to add a pinch of herbs, such as oregano or basil, for an extra flavor boost. Once the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic, it's time to let it rise. We cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot, away from drafts. We let the dough rise for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

After the dough has risen, we take it out of the bowl and divide it into smaller portions. We take each portion and form long, thin strips, being careful to make them uniform so that they bake evenly. These strips will then be braided, creating beautiful and appetizing spirals. Carefully braid the strips of dough, ensuring that each spiral is tightly wound so that it does not unravel during frying.

Once the spirals are ready, we let them rise again for a bit, about 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows air to accumulate inside the dough, making the spirals fluffier. During this waiting time, we prepare for frying. In a deep pan, we heat enough oil to cover the spirals. We check the oil temperature with a small test: we toss a small piece of dough into the oil; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, then the oil is ready.

When the spirals are ready and the oil is hot, we carefully fry them a few at a time until they turn golden and crispy. It is important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lead to uneven frying. After the spirals are fried, we place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. These spirals can be served warm, plain, or with various dipping sauces, such as tomato sauce, mayonnaise, or a garlic yogurt sauce. The flavors blend beautifully, and the crispy texture will delight any palate. These spirals are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even as a little culinary treat at a party. Enjoy them with pleasure!