Homemade Donuts

Ingredients

• • 500 grams of 00 flour (approximately 4 cups)

• • 250 ml of milk (approximately 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 egg

• • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of dry yeast

• • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Sugar (for coating)
  • Seed oil (for frying)

Directions

1. 1. Prepare the Dough:
      • • In a small bowl, warm 250 ml of milk (not too hot) and add 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
        • In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of 00 flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
        • Add the zest of 1 lemon to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
      • • In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the milk and yeast mixture.
        • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add it to the mixture.
        • Mix all the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.

   2. Knead the Dough:
      • • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
        • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

   3. Shape the Donuts:
      • • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
        • Roll out the dough to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness.
      • Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes from the dough.
      • Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

1. Fry the Donuts:
   • • Heat seed oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
     • Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
     • Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

2. Coat and Serve:
   • • While the donuts are still warm, roll them in sugar to coat.
     • Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• • Enjoy the donuts plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Dip them in chocolate glaze or top with your favorite icing.

• Serve with a side of jam or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Cooking Tips

• • Proofing: Make sure to allow the dough to rise in a warm place to achieve the fluffiest donuts.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 180°C (350°F) to ensure the donuts cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.

• Cutting the Dough: Use a floured cutter to prevent the dough from sticking.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor and provides vitamin C.
  • Milk: Contributes calcium and protein, adding to the richness of the dough.

• Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough.

Dietary Information

• • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Dairy-Free: No (contains butter and milk)

• Gluten-Free: No (contains wheat flour)