Ingredients
Dry
- 2.5 cup All-purpose flour (Extra for dusting)
- 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast (Equivalent to 1 standard packet)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 cup Organic powdered sugar (Ensure organic to guarantee it is vegan; used for dusting)
- 1 tsp Granulated cane sugar (To activate the yeast)
Wet
- 1 cup Warm water (Around 110°F (45°C))
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cup Vegetable oil (For frying; use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower)
Method
- 1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated cane sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- 3. Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- 4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- 5. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, rolling it once to coat the top. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 6. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Tear or cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 to 2 inches wide).
- 7. In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- 8. Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- 9. Fry the dough for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they are puffed up and deep golden brown.
- 10. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fried dough, transferring them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 11. While the fried dough bites are still warm, use a fine mesh sieve to generously dust them with organic powdered sugar.
- 12. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Chef's notes
Ensure your powdered sugar is certified organic or explicitly labeled vegan, as some conventional powdered sugars are processed using bone char. For an extra treat, serve these warm dough bites with a side of warm vegan chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for dipping.