Gogoși - Romanian Sweet Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9. 9.
   Remove the Gogoși from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Dust the Gogoși generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise.
• Yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper dough fermentation.
• Lemon zest — Use organic lemons for the zest to avoid any chemical residues.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, fill the Gogoși with your favorite jam or chocolate spread after they have cooled down.
• Serve the Gogoși warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for dusting.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• To ensure even frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking process.

Serving advice

Serve the Gogoși as a delightful breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or a dessert. They are best enjoyed warm and dusted with powdered sugar.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Gogoși on a serving platter and generously dust them with powdered sugar. You can also garnish them with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.