Amatxu's Delight: Basque Style Anisette Doughnuts
Experience the warmth of tradition with these delightful Basque rosquillas, inspired by my cherished amatxu's recipe. These doughnuts are soft and tender, infused with a subtle anise flavor that brings a unique twist to the classic treat. Perfect for cuddling up on cold winter afternoons, they're traditionally enjoyed with a rich, thick Spanish chocolate that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you're reliving nostalgic family moments or creating new memories, these doughnuts are a must-try for their deliciously simple preparation and irresistible taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbleached flour
250 (g)
baking powder
2 (teaspoons)
cornstarch
150 (g)
salt
0.5 (teaspoon)
sugar
75 (g)
milk
7 (tablespoons)
vegetable oil
5 (tablespoons)
large egg
1 (unit)
orange zest
1 (tablespoon)
anisette
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the unbleached flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, orange zest, and anisette until well mixed and smooth.
3
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed until it no longer sticks to your hands.
4
Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
5
Once rested, divide the dough into small portions. For a rustic look, roll each piece into a log with your hands, then loop the ends together to form a circular shape to create the donuts.
6
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the formed donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side. Ensure the oil temperature remains steady.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8
To finish, dust the donuts generously with powdered sugar or your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar or melted chocolate. Enjoy them fresh, paired with a cup of thick Spanish hot chocolate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amatxu's Delight doughnuts?
Amatxu's Delight are traditional Basque-style anisette doughnuts, also known as rosquillas, which are soft, tender, and infused with anise and orange zest.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of unbleached flour.
What role does cornstarch play in these doughnuts?
150 grams of cornstarch are used to help achieve a soft and tender texture in the doughnut dough.
What gives these doughnuts their signature flavor?
The unique flavor comes from the combination of two tablespoons of anisette and one tablespoon of orange zest.
How much baking powder is used?
You will need 2 teaspoons of baking powder to ensure the doughnuts rise properly.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, half a teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness.
How much sugar should I add to the dough?
The recipe requires 75 grams of sugar.
What kind of oil is used inside the dough?
The dough itself uses 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 7 tablespoons of milk.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together to ensure even distribution.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses one large egg.
What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough sticks to your hands, gradually add small amounts of flour until it is manageable.
How long should the dough rest before shaping?
The dough needs to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature under a clean kitchen towel.
How are the doughnuts shaped?
Divide the dough into small portions, roll each into a log, and loop the ends together to form a circle.
What is the best oil for frying these doughnuts?
Canola oil is recommended for frying.
At what temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the doughnuts take to fry?
They should be fried for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How should I remove the doughnuts from the hot oil?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the doughnuts and place them on paper towels to drain.
What are the traditional toppings for these rosquillas?
They are traditionally dusted generously with powdered sugar, though cinnamon sugar or melted chocolate are also great options.
What is the best drink to pair with Basque doughnuts?
They are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of rich, thick Spanish hot chocolate.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, orange zest, and anisette.
What is the texture of these doughnuts?
These doughnuts are described as soft and tender rather than crunchy.
Can I make these for special occasions?
Yes, they are perfect for winter afternoons, family gatherings, or as a nostalgic treat.
Is the orange zest necessary?
While optional, the orange zest provides a citrus note that complements the anisette flavor perfectly.
Why must the oil temperature remain steady?
A steady temperature ensures the doughnuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil or burning on the outside.
What does 'Amatxu' mean?
Amatxu is a Basque term of endearment for 'mother', indicating this is a cherished family recipe.
Are these doughnuts yeast-based?
No, these are chemically leavened using baking powder, making the preparation quicker than yeast doughnuts.
Should the milk be at a specific temperature?
The recipe does not specify, but room temperature milk usually incorporates best into doughs.
Can I use a different citrus zest?
Yes, lemon zest is a common alternative in Spanish rosquilla recipes.
Are these fried or baked?
These are traditional fried doughnuts, cooked in a deep skillet.