Hungarian-style fluffy donuts

Hungarian-style fluffy donuts, known as “fánk,” are a delightful treat that are often enjoyed with a filling of apricot jam. Here’s a recipe to make these delicious donuts at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Apricot jam, for filling

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and melted butter together.
4. Pour the yeast mixture and the egg mixture into the bowl with the flour. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
8. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out donut shapes from the dough. Use a smaller round cutter to create a dent in the center of each donut.
9. Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
10. In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
11. Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Be cautious and avoid overcrowding the pot.
12. Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
13. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, fill the dent in the center of each donut with apricot jam.
14. Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy these fluffy Hungarian-style donuts with a delicious apricot jam filling. They make a delightful breakfast or snack, especially when enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea.