Carnival-Style Fried Dough Recipe
Category: Leavened Dough
Servings: Makes 10 pieces
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread Flour (Manitoba) | 500g |
| Granulated Sugar | 50g |
| Fresh Yeast | 15g |
| Butter, softened | 100g |
| Whole Milk, warm | 310g |
| Lemon Zest | From 2 lemons |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 pod |
| Fine Salt | 10g |
| Extra Granulated Sugar | As needed for coating |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 liter |
Nutritional Information (per piece)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Sugars | 10g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Begin by assembling the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, grated lemon zest, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean pod.
- Attach the dough hook and start mixing on low speed while gradually adding half of the warm milk.
- Crumble the fresh yeast into the mixture and add the remaining milk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough for several minutes until it begins to come together. Add the fine salt and continue mixing.
- Once the dough becomes elastic and forms a cohesive ball, stop the mixer.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Shape
- Add the softened butter in small portions, kneading well after each addition. Allow the dough to re-incorporate into a smooth, elastic mass.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Perform a slap-and-fold technique: lift the dough, stretch it slightly, and fold it over itself. Repeat this several times.
- Shape the dough into a tight ball by cupping your hands under it and rolling it gently. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Divide and Shape
- Once risen, place the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a long log. Using a bench scraper, divide the dough into 95g portions.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a floured tray. Dust lightly with flour, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying
- As the dough is finishing its second rise, heat the vegetable oil in a deep, wide pot to 170°C (340°F). Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the temperature.
Step 6: Shape and Fry
- Take one dough ball at a time and gently stretch it by hand to form a round shape with a thick rim and a thin, almost translucent center.
- Carefully lower the dough into the hot oil, frying one at a time to ensure even cooking.
- Fry until the dough turns a deep golden brown, using a slotted spoon to gently submerge and flip it. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Coat in Sugar and Serve
- Remove the fried dough from the oil and let it drain briefly on paper towels. Immediately coat both sides in granulated sugar while still warm.
- Repeat the frying and coating process with the remaining dough.
Serving Suggestions
These carnival-style fried dough treats are best served fresh and warm, with their sugary coating glistening. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful snack that transports you straight to the fairgrounds. Enjoy!
