🛒 Ingredients needed:
- 4 cups lukewarm water
- 1 sachet of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 7 cups of flour
For frying:
- approximately 250 ml of oil
👩🍳 Preparation:
To begin, pour lukewarm water into a deep bowl. It is important that the water is not too hot, as it can destroy the yeast, but not too cold, as it will not activate the fermentation process. Add the dry yeast, sugar and a cup of flour, then mix well until a homogeneous composition is obtained, without lumps. Cover the bowl and leave it aside for about 15 minutes, until the yeast begins to activate and form bubbles on the surface.
Once the mixture has risen and become foamy, add the remaining flour and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands until you have a very soft and slightly sticky dough. Don’t be afraid of the consistency – this is the secret to airy and fluffy donuts. A dough that is too hard will result in a dense and heavy result.
Cover the dough again and leave to rise for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and is full of air bubbles. This step is essential for the final texture, as proper fermentation contributes to the light and elastic structure of the donuts.
After rising, lightly flour the work surface and carefully transfer the dough. Using your hands or a knife, break off pieces of the dough and form into balls. They don’t need to be perfectly even, as the charm of these donuts also lies in their rustic appearance.
Let the dough balls rest for about 10 minutes, covered with a clean towel. This step helps the dough relax, making it easier to shape later.
Next, lightly oil your work surface and your fingers. Flatten each ball gently with your fingers, without using flour at this stage. This is very important, as excess flour can burn during frying and affect the final taste.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a deep frying pan or saucepan to a depth of about 1.5–2 cm. The oil should be hot, but not smoking. The correct temperature is key to obtaining doughnuts that do not absorb oil.
Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil and fry over medium to high heat. It is important not to crowd the pan, to allow for even frying. Turn them over on both sides until they get a nice golden color and a slightly crispy crust.
After frying, the donuts are removed on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. This step contributes to a lighter and more pleasant texture.
💡 Essential tips for perfect donuts:
The first and most important thing is the consistency of the dough. It should be soft and slightly sticky, as this guarantees an aerated structure. If you add too much flour, you will get dense and less fluffy donuts.
Avoid using flour in the shaping stage. Instead, use oil to prevent sticking. This way, you will avoid the flour particles from burning during frying.
The temperature of the oil plays a crucial role. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb more oil and become heavy. If it is too hot, they will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
Always fry at a moderate temperature to achieve an even color and perfect texture. Patience is key in this process.
For even better results, use quality ingredients. Good flour and oil that is stable at high temperatures can make a significant difference. Also, using the right utensils, such as a non-stick pan, an oil thermometer, or a dough mixer, can simplify the process and improve the final result.
In conclusion, these homemade doughnuts are a perfect combination of simplicity and authentic taste. They are easy to prepare, do not require sophisticated ingredients, and offer a spectacular result. Whether you serve them plain, with cheese, jam, or yogurt, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
