Curd cheese doughnuts, known as varškės spurgos in Lithuania, are a delightful treat that combines the lightness of doughnuts with the creaminess of curd cheese. These doughnuts are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Let’s dive into the complete guide for crafting these mouth-watering treats!
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 400 g (14 oz) Lithuanian-style curd cheese (or quark)
- 50 g (2 oz) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 liter (1 quart) sunflower oil (for frying)
- Icing sugar for dusting
Grocery List
- Lithuanian-style curd cheese or quark
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sunflower oil
- Icing sugar
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide
- Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the curd cheese, sugar, and eggs. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, whisk until the mixture is smooth, pale, and creamy—this should take about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and baking powder into the curd mixture using a metal spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep saucepan or deep fryer, heat the sunflower oil to 170°C (340°F). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Shape the Doughnuts: With slightly damp hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. This recipe should yield approximately 20 doughnuts.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop 4 dough balls into the hot oil at a time. Fry them for about 7 minutes or until they are golden brown. The doughnuts will naturally flip during cooking due to the baking powder; however, if any do not flip, gently turn them with a metal spoon.
- Drain and Cool: Once cooked, remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Dust with Sugar: Allow the doughnuts to cool for at least 20 minutes before dusting them generously with icing sugar just before serving.
Useful Tips and Notes
- Curd Cheese Alternatives: If you cannot find Lithuanian curd cheese, look for quark or farmer’s cheese as substitutes. Avoid using cottage cheese directly as it may alter the texture.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried doughnuts. If too hot, they will brown quickly without cooking through; if too cool, they will absorb too much oil.
- Storage: These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day. Dust them with icing sugar just before serving to keep them from becoming sticky.
Nutritional Information
Each curd cheese doughnut contains approximately:
- Calories: 120 kcal per doughnut
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
This makes them a delightful treat that balances indulgence with some nutritional value!
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Curd cheese doughnuts are not just easy to make but also offer a unique taste experience that sets them apart from traditional doughnuts. Enjoy making these delightful treats in your kitchen!
