Moroccan Saffron Donuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 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): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in warm water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the saffron water, milk, honey, and orange blossom water 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 it becomes 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 about 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 pan 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. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Dust the donuts generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
11. 11.
    Serve the Moroccan Saffron Donuts fresh and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron, steep the threads in warm water for at least 10 minutes before using them in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom 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.
• Serve the Saffron Donuts warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you don't have orange blossom water, you can substitute it with rose water for a different floral note.
• These donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Saffron Donuts as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Saffron Donuts on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with a few saffron threads for an elegant touch.