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Portuguese Doughnuts

Light and Airy Portuguese Doughnuts for Weekend Brunch Joy

Delightful Portuguese Doughnuts, also known as Sonhos, offering a light and airy texture perfect for brunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 doughnuts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Water Provides moisture and helps form the dough texture.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Consider using unsalted for better control over salt levels.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated White Sugar Offers a hint of sweetness in the dough.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Essential for structure; ensures a soft and fluffy dough.
  • 4 large Eggs Binds the ingredients and provides lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Extract Adds a subtle citrus flavor.
  • pinch Salt Enhances overall flavor; crucial in sweet recipes.
For Frying
  • 1 cup Canola Oil Used for frying; ensures a high smoke point.
For Rolling
  • to taste Granulated White Sugar Coats the finished doughnuts with sweetness.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • slotted spoon
  • electric mixer
  • Wooden Spoon
  • medium pot
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, ensuring the butter melts completely. Once it boils, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a bowl to cool slightly.
  2. When the dough has cooled, use an electric mixer to beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until you have a smooth and fluffy batter.
  3. In a medium pot, pour in canola oil to fill it about 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F, checking by dipping a wooden spoon into the oil; bubbles should form around it.
  4. Once the oil is ready, use a teaspoon to drop small amounts of dough into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry no more than 15 doughnuts at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed up.
  5. After frying, remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. While warm, roll them in granulated sugar.
  6. Serve fresh and warm alongside coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.

Nutrition

Serving: 1doughnutCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Enjoy your Portuguese Doughnuts fresh for the best experience; they shine when served warm and sugar-coated.

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