Indulge in the delightful simplicity of these Quick and Easy Yogurt Donuts. With a crisp golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, each bite offers a burst of comforting flavors enhanced by a hint of lemon zest. These donuts are effortlessly prepared without the need to touch the dough, making them an ideal quick treat. Roll them in sugar for a sweet finishing touch or experiment with other garnishes like cinnamon sugar or a light glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, these yogurt donuts are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 250-300 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g yogurt
- 150 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 70 g sugar (about 5 tablespoons)
- 10 g baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sugar (for garnishing)
Instructions:
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg until well combined. Add the yogurt, milk, and lemon zest, mixing well until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—do not overmix! The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat it over medium-low heat. To test the oil’s temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Form the donuts: There are two methods to form the donuts:
- Spoonful: Dip two spoons in the hot oil, then scoop up a rounded spoonful of dough. Gently slide the dough into the oil.
- Piping bag: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the batter directly into the hot oil in donut shapes.
- Fry the donuts: Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Drain and coat: Transfer the fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar for a delicious coating.
- Enjoy! Serve your delicious yogurt donuts warm.
Tips and Tricks:
- Adjusting sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the batter to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet donut, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Batter consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the desired pourable consistency.
- Frying tips: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the donuts. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and a perfect golden-brown color.
- Garnish variations: Experiment with different garnishes to add variety to your donuts. Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar, drizzling with glaze, or dipping in melted chocolate for a delicious twist.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the batter to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet donut, reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Batter Consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the desired pourable consistency. This ensures the donuts come out light and fluffy.
- Frying Tips: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the donuts. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and a perfect golden-brown color. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy donuts.
- Testing Oil Temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil’s temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Garnish Variations: Experiment with different garnishes to add variety to your donuts. Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar, drizzling with glaze, or dipping in melted chocolate for a delicious twist. You can also top them with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your yogurt donuts warm for the best taste and texture. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. These subtle additions can elevate the taste of your donuts.
- Healthy Alternatives: For a healthier option, you can try baking the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the donuts in a donut pan for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Creative Shapes: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the oil. This allows you to get creative with the shapes of your donuts.