Now, I like to transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and elastic. It’s such a lovely feeling, working the dough with my hands! Once kneaded, I place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size. The anticipation builds as the dough rises!
After the dough has risen beautifully, I punch it down gently to release the air and then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Now comes the fun part: using a sharp knife or dough cutter, I slice the dough into long strips and twist them! Make sure to tuck the ends so they stay together while frying. Once all the twists are formed, I let them rest for another 20 minutes before frying them. I find that this helps achieve a perfect texture.
When it’s time to fry, I heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until it’s shimmering. I carefully drop in a few twists at a time, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown, flipping them carefully with a slotted spoon. The aroma is incredible! Once done, I lay them on a cooling rack dusted with powdered sugar, and my kitchen smells heavenly.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe a few different ways, and one of my biggest takeaways is that the quality of your yeast matters! Always check the expiration date and if in doubt, do a quick test by adding it to warm water with a bit of sugar. If it bubbles up, you’re good to go!
Another tip is to ensure that your oil temperature is just right. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and you’ll end up with greasy donuts. I recommend using a thermometer to achieve the optimal frying temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after twisting the donuts. This is crucial for that soft, airy texture. It gives the gluten in the dough time to relax, resulting in a delightful bite once they’re fried!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen (and made!) is not kneading the dough enough. This can cause the donuts to turn out dense instead of fluffy, so give it a good 5-7 minutes of kneading to develop that perfect texture. Trust me; it’s worth the effort. (See the next page below to continue…)