Norwegian Cardamom-Spiced Smultring

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp salt ½ tsp salt
• 120ml (½ cup) whole milk, warmed 120ml (½ cup) whole milk, warmed
• 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 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, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm (½ inch). Cut out small rings or shapes using a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the donuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Serve the Cardamom-Spiced Smultring warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom pods instead of pre-ground cardamom. Crush the pods and remove the seeds, then grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a light and fluffy texture, make sure the dough rises in a warm place free from drafts.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cardamom in the recipe.
• For a twist, you can add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy aroma.
• Serve the Smultring with a side of raspberry jam or lingonberry jam for a burst of fruity flavor.
• If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and create a hole in the center using a smaller round cutter or a bottle cap.

Serving advice

Serve the Cardamom-Spiced Smultring warm for the best experience. These donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cardamom-Spiced Smultring on a platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom for an extra touch of elegance.