Dear sweet moms and parents! April here helping you relax into motherhood from my tropical island home in Marinduque!
The weekend is a precious time when we can indulge our senses – eyes greedily devouring a meal made with love before we savor each sweet, mouthwatering bite. Today we journey through deep grease to escape to flavor heaven – with fried donuts! Oh joy joy joy!
These hot , sugary pillows of fried dough are an easy and affordable way to add some sweet weekend madness to your life! While typically bought in packs of 12 from Krispy Kreme, homemade donuts are surprisingly simple. I remember when I was young, hawkers from the neighboring barangay would sell these basic donuts. Even before the deluge of foreign donut shops that brought these donuts back into the scene.
Who doesn’t love sinking their teeth into a warm, sugary, and perfectly fried doughnut? These delightful treats have captured the hearts of children and adults alike for generations. The key is the hot oil, which creates a crunchy exterior while locking in soft, pillowy centers as they float in the pan like the lost boys on their way to Neverland. Kids squeal in excitement and giggles fill the kitchen while fresh doughnuts are rolled in sugar and devoured before they cool.
Believe it or not, doughnuts have been around for centuries. The exact origin of these heavenly pastries is a subject of debate, but they are believed to have evolved from similar fried dough treats found in ancient cultures. The modern donut, as we know it, can be traced back to Dutch settlers who brought their traditional oliebollen (oil balls) to America in the 19th century. Since then, donuts have become an iconic part of American culinary culture.
Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get frying! This basic doughnut recipe is perfect for beginners and will have you savoring the sweet rewards of your labor in no time
Recipe: Classic Basic Fried Donuts
Ingredients
Donut
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
Others
- 2 cups oil for frying
- cut parchment papers
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar and salt.
- In a second bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, beaten egg and melted butter Add the instant yeast ang mix.
- Pour into the dry ingredients.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Punch down the dough and spread on a floured surface.
- Cut into circles and place into cut square parchment papers. Cover with a towel to prevent drying.
- Let rise again until almost doubled.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pan to 160°-170°C. Fry the doughnuts in batches until light brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and cool slightly.
- Toss doughnuts in powdered sugar to coat.
- Enjoy your simple homemade donuts!
Notes
You can directly drop the donuts with the parchment papers so as not to disfigure the donuts.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Doughnuts
Now, let’s dive into the donut-making process and ensure your homemade treats turn out flawless every time. Follow these tried-and-true tips to achieve doughnut perfection:
- Master the dough: Use a simple dough recipe, keeping the ingredients to a minimum. A well-kneaded dough that is soft but not sticky is the key to light and fluffy doughnuts.
- Temperature matters: Invest in a reliable kitchen thermometer to monitor the frying oil. Maintaining the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) ensures that your doughnuts cook evenly and don’t become greasy.
- Timing is everything: Remember to give the donuts enough time to rise properly before frying. Patience is key here, as a well-risen dough will result in airy and tender doughnuts.
- The right tools: Equip yourself with a donut cutter or use a round cookie cutter for the classic doughnut shape. A slotted spoon or spider skimmer will come in handy for flipping and removing the doughnuts from the oil.
- Get creative with toppings: Once your donuts are fried and cooled, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! From powdered sugar to glazes, sprinkles, and even bacon crumbles, let your imagination run wild.
Making basic fried doughnuts at home has never been easier. With a little love and some common pantry ingredients, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats that will rival any bakery. The simple tasks of rolling, cutting, and frying this basic dough can bring smiles and memories for years to come. So fire up your deep fryer and gather your family, put on some nostalgic tunes, and embark on a culinary adventure together. With each bite of these homemade doughnuts, you’ll not only be savoring a delightful treat but also creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy frying, and bon appétit!
