When it comes to traditional Jewish holiday treats, Sufganiyot are an indispensable delicacy, a traditional Israeli dessert that is especially loved by Jews during Hanukkah. Made from flour, yeast, sugar and salt, then fried in oil and dusted with powdered sugar or filled with jam for a sweet, fluffy texture, Sufganiyot symbolize the joy and sweetness of the holiday and are often made and savored together during Hanukkah celebrations. To make Sufganiyot, you will need some basic cookware and ingredients. First, you will need a large bowl for mixing the dough, a kitchen scale or measuring cup for weighing and measuring the ingredients, a pan or fryer for deep-frying the doughnuts, and some kitchen paper towels to soak up any excess grease. In addition, have a baking sheet or large platter to hold the fried donuts. Let’s have fun making Sufganiyot as this delicious dish is being prepared!
What are the Benefits of Sufganiyot?
Sufganiyot (traditional Jewish doughnuts) are usually a type of doughnut that is usually eaten during Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. From a health and nutritional standpoint, Sufganiyot are not a highly nutritious food, as they usually contain a lot of sugar and fats. However, as a holiday treat, Sufganiyot can be pleasurable and satisfying, while also carrying cultural and traditional significance. During celebrations, it can be part of family and community gatherings, adding to the festive atmosphere and fond memories. Therefore, although not ideal from a nutritional point of view, Sufganiyot still has its unique value in specific cultural and social contexts. If you wish to minimize the health effects of fried foods, consider using an air fryer, which reduces the amount of fats and oils consumed in your food.
Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make Sufganiyot!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 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 doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Sufganiyot
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut out circles of dough.
- Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves or jelly in the center of half of the dough circles.
- Brush the edges of the filled circles with water and place another dough circle on top, pressing the edges together to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 3: Fry the Sufganiyot
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the filled doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove the sufganiyot from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the sufganiyot are fried and slightly cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade sufganiyot with family and friends during your Hanukkah celebration
Making Sufganiyot at home not only gives you a taste of freshly fried donuts, but also the fun of baking and the cozy atmosphere of a family gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends during Hanukkah or showing off your baking skills at any other celebration, Sufganiyot will grace the table. Whether you choose to fill it with jam, spread it with chocolate sauce, or simply sprinkle it with powdered sugar, Sufganiyot will be a sweet treat for your taste buds. We hope you enjoy this treat with the joy and satisfaction that comes from baking and eating. May you create unforgettable memories by spending quality time with your family and friends while making and savoring Sufganiyot.
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Homemade Sufganiyot
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sufganiyot is a traditional Jewish dessert usually served during Hanukkah, and its sweetness and rich filling make it an integral part of the holiday celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup fruit preserves or jelly of your choice
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 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 doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Sufganiyot
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut out circles of dough.
- Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves or jelly in the center of half of the dough circles.
- Brush the edges of the filled circles with water and place another dough circle on top, pressing the edges together to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 3: Fry the Sufganiyot
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the filled doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove the sufganiyot from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the sufganiyot are fried and slightly cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Equipment
All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
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Gotham Steel 8 Quart Large Stock Pot
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JoyJolt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids
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MASTER FENG Ravioli Stamp Maker Cutter with Roller Wheel Set
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ThinkGeek Star Wars R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set
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- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pot when frying the sufganiyot to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, custard, or Nutella for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Holidays
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How should I make the dough for Sufganiyot?
You can make the dough using flour, yeast, sugar, salt, eggs and butter. First, mix the flour and yeast, then add the sugar, salt, eggs and melted butter. Mix well until the dough becomes smooth. Allow the dough to rise until it is bulky.
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How should I add jam to Sufganiyot?
After cooking your Sufganiyot, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top and then, using a syringe or a small squirt bottle, fill the inside of your Sufganiyot with jam or jelly. You can also choose from a variety of flavored jams, such as strawberry, raspberry or apricot-peach jam.
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How should I fry my Sufganiyot?
Heat the oil to the proper temperature (approximately 350°F/180°C), then carefully place the Sufganiyot in the oil and fry until both sides are golden brown. After deep-frying, remove the Sufganiyot and place it on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil, then you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on the surface.
