My Maiden Attempt at Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a popular snack. They are a staple across coffee-shops in the western world, and now even occupy place of pride in bakeries and cafes in India. In the US, for instance, there are entire quick service restaurants dedicated to just doughtnuts. Popular examples include the likes of Dunkin Doughnuts and Krispy Kreme. In fact, the Smithsonian Museum houses Krispy Kreme’s first automated doughnut making machine.

Although the Americans have given the doughnut its present form and put it on the world stage, this humble snack has interesting origins. There are Dutch contributions, innovations brought about by a Russian, and as with most savouries, there’s a dash of French influence too. But what possibly makes it more authentic American is improvisations that are traced to Native Americans. The doughnut then, is truly the culmination of varied efforts; it epitomises human collaboration. What remains a mystery though is how the hole in the centre came to be!

Ingredients 

1. Flour – 200 gms
2. Milk – 1 cup
3. Yeast – 1/4 tsp
4. Vanilla essence – 1/2 tsp
5. Sugar – 3 tbsp
6. Salt – 1/2 tsp
7. Cooking chocolate (molten) – 1 cup
8. Assorted coloured sprinkles – 1 tbsp

Methodology

1. In a large bowl, add the flour and sugar, and mix well.
2. Pour in the milk and continue to knead the dough.
3. Once it becomes soft, break off small chunks and keep aside.
4. Using a rolling pin, make discs of about 3″ in diameter.
5. If you have a doughnut cutter, use it to make the hole in the centre, and smoothen out the edges for better finish.
6. Heat oil in a pan and immerse a few discs at a time, taking care to fry uniformly.
7. Once a uniform brown shade is observed, remove from the pan and place on a dish with a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
8. While the doughnuts are cooling, proceed to melt the cooking chocolate by using the double boiling method.
9. Heat water in a large vessel and bring to a boil.
10. Place the cooking chocolate squares in a smaller vessel, and insert it into the larger vessel with boiling water. Take care to not let any water flow into the chocolate bearing vessel.
11. The molten chocolate can then be poured over the doughnuts.
12. Add a dash of coloured sprinkles over the molten chocolate and then, it is show time.

I only made them for the first time about a week ago. But much to my delight, and to the great excitement of my family, my maiden attempt was a resounding success.