Italian donuts, which are also called “ciambelle” in Italian, are delicious fried pastries that will please anyone with a sweet tooth. The inside of these round treats is soft and fluffy, while the outside is a bit crispy and golden. In this article, we’ll talk about how to make them, how to serve them, and more, so you can make a delicious batch of Italian donuts at home.
Italian donuts, or ciambelle, have a special place in the hearts of Italians and dessert lovers all over the world. They are a popular treat that can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert after a delicious meal. Italian donuts are a treat that people of all ages love because they smell good and taste great.
The Traditional Italian Donut Recipe
You will need the following things to make a batch of traditional Italian donuts:
- 2 eggs
- 180ml milk
- 10g fresh yeast
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 60g butter
- 30g sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
- Sugar for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Donuts
Step 1: Whisk the wet ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and yeast until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well with your hands until a smooth and lump-free dough forms.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Shape the dough into a large ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Divide and shape the dough
Transfer the risen dough onto a work surface. Divide it into 9 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a long, thin rope. Then twist the ends of the rope around each other to form a twisted donut shape.
Step 6: Bake the donuts
Preheat your oven to 30°C/86°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the twisted donuts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake the donuts for approximately 1 hour until they turn golden brown.
Step 7: Fry the donuts
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for deep frying. Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Coat in sugar
While the donuts are still warm, coat them generously in sugar. You can use granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or a combination of both for a delightful sugary coating.
Tips for Perfect Italian Donuts
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure a good rise.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place free from drafts to aid in fermentation.
- Maintain a consistent frying temperature to achieve evenly golden donuts.
- Coat the donuts in sugar while they are still warm to ensure the sugar sticks well.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Italian donuts are tasty on their own, but you can make them even better by serving them with things that go well with them. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings:
- Enjoy the warm donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk.
- Serve them with a side of fruit compote or chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Create a dessert platter with a variety of donuts and other pastries for a sweet indulgence.
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
