Le Ciambelle Semi Hard Doughnuts Recipes

FRITTELLE {CIAMBELLE} - ITALIAN DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• Start by dissolving yeast in lukewarm milk. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
• In a bowl of a standing mixer add 6 cups of flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest.Using a dough hook attachment start to mix on low speed.
• Slowly pour in the milk with yeast.Add eggs and butter cut in cubes.
• Increase the speed and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it starts to wrap lightly around the dough hook and come off the sides of the mixer bowl.
• The dough should be soft but NOT sticky.NOTE: If the dough doesn't come together or it's too sticky add another ½ cup of flour and a few more table spoons at a time if needed.
• Transfer the dough into a large clean bowl, cover with a linen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft free place.It'll take anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours at 75-80F and it'll take much longer in a cooler place.
• Once the dough has almost tripled in size, turn the bowl upside down and let the dough come out in a floured surface. Work the dough with your hands for a minute or two, dust with more flour if needed.
• Using a dough scraper cut off a fourth of the dough and with a rolling pin roll it out approx ⅓ -¼ of an inch thick.
• Using a doughnut cutter cut out the doughnuts and place them on a well floured surface leaving enough space in between. Cover them with a dry linen/kitchen towel and let rise (always in a warm place) for about an hour.
• In a deep pan preheat vegetable oil suitable for frying. The best temperature to start frying the doughnuts is about 350F. You can measure it with a kitchen thermometer.
• But if you don't have one try frying a small piece of the dough first. If it comes up floating in less than 5 seconds the oil is ready.
• Once oil is heated turn the temperature on medium low to prevent oil from overheating.
• Fry fritelle for a few minutes on each side continuously covering them with hot oil when frying. Once they're lightly brown on both sides discard on paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• Dip each doughnut quickly in fine sugar.Serve hot, warm, cold or re-heated.

LE CIAMBELLE: SEMI-HARD DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the flour on a worktable. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the sugar, extra-virgin olive oil and wine. Combine together and knead until the mixture becomes an even dough. If necessary, add a little more flour to absorb all the liquids. Sprinkle a tablespoon of anise seeds on the dough and knead well. Sprinkle the rest of the anise seeds, and continue to knead so that the seeds are evenly distributed. Cut off a small amount of dough and roll into a 1/2-inch thick log. Cut the log into a 5-inch long piece. Then form a 'doughnut-like' shape by pinching opposite ends together. Repeat the above process with the remaining dough. Line a baking tray with cooking parchment paper and arrange the ciambelle, approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown.