Kazanlak Donuts

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
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon rose water 1 teaspoon rose water
• 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, 5g
• 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 melted butter, egg, rose water, and lemon zest to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   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.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3cm).
8. 8.
   Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out donut shapes from the dough.
9. 9.
   Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    In a deep pot or a frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
11. 11.
    Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
13. 13.
    Dust the donuts generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
14. 14.
    Serve the Kazanlak Donuts fresh and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rose water — Use a high-quality rose water to ensure a strong and authentic flavor in the donuts. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the rose aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the donuts to ensure they cook evenly and don't become greasy.
• If you don't have rose water, you can substitute it with orange blossom water for a different floral note.
• Serve the donuts warm for the best taste and texture.
• These donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made.

Serving advice

Serve the Kazanlak Donuts as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of Bulgarian rose tea. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the powdered sugar-dusted donuts on a platter or a cake stand. You can garnish them with edible rose petals for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a small bowl of powdered sugar for those who want an extra dusting.