Neapolitan Potato Donuts: 7 Best Tips for Perfect Frying

Oh wow, let me tell you about Neapolitan Potato Donuts, or as they’re lovingly called, Graffe! These delightful treats are not just any donuts; they bring the spirit of Carnival alive with every bite. Originating from Naples, they’re a beloved staple during festive times, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit!

Growing up, Carnival meant vibrant parades, laughter, and, of course, a table filled with these fluffy potato donuts. The first time I tasted them, I was completely enchanted by their unique texture and flavor. It’s a delightful surprise to find that potatoes are the secret ingredient, giving these donuts their soft, pillowy nature. They’re slightly crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside—just perfection! The aroma of freshly fried Graffe wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s a simple recipe rooted in tradition, yet it never fails to impress at any gathering, especially around Carnival time when joy and celebration are in the air. So, are you ready to dive into this delicious adventure with me? Let’s make some unforgettable Neapolitan Potato Donuts together!

Ingredients List

To make the most delightful Neapolitan Potato Donuts, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 75 g (10 tbsp) bread or all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our dough and helps create that perfect texture.
• 80 g (5 tbsp) whole milk: Room temperature is ideal for this ingredient to help activate the yeast.
• 1 g (1/4 tsp) dry yeast: This small amount is crucial for giving the dough its rise and lightness.
• 250 g (2 cups) bread flour: This adds structure to your donuts, making them fluffy and delicious.
• 3 g (1 tsp) dry yeast: A little extra yeast for the main dough, ensuring a lovely rise.
• 160 g (5.6 oz) russet potatoes: Boil and mash one medium-large Russet potato; it’s the secret to that unique texture!
• 2 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for a smooth blend.
• 30 g (2.5 tbsp) sugar: This sweetens the dough, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• 55 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter: Room temperature butter adds richness and moisture.
• 10 g (0.5 tbsp) honey: A touch of honey enhances the flavor and helps with browning.
• 1 large lemon zest: Just the zest, please! It adds a fresh brightness to the donuts. Alternatively, you can use vanilla extract.
• 5 g (3/4 tsp) salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 1.5 liters peanut oil: For frying—this ensures that lovely golden color and crispy texture. You can also use avocado or canola oil.
• Sugar: For coating—feel free to toss them in sugar right after frying for that irresistible sweetness!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making the fluffiest, dreamiest Neapolitan Potato Donuts ever!

How to Prepare Neapolitan Potato Donuts

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making your very own Neapolitan Potato Donuts! The process is a delightful journey, and I promise you’ll have a blast. Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into fluffy, delicious donuts in no time!

Preparing the Potato Mixture

The star of our donuts is, of course, the potato! Start by boiling a medium-large russet potato whole, skin on, in salted water. It should take about 20-25 minutes until it’s fork-tender—just poke it with a fork, and if it slides right off, you’re golden! Once it’s ready, let it cool for a bit before peeling off the skin. Now, here’s the key: mash that potato until it’s perfectly smooth. You want a silky texture here, as this is what will give your donuts that dreamy, fluffy bite. No lumps allowed! Set your mashed potato aside while we move on to the dough.

Making the Dough

Now, let’s get mixing! In a small bowl, combine the 75 g of flour, 1 g of dry yeast, and 80 g of whole milk. Give it a good stir until it’s well combined, then cover it and let it rest in a turned-off oven with the light on for about an hour. This little resting period allows the yeast to activate, which is crucial for the dough’s rise!

Once that’s ready, grab your stand mixer and combine the rested mixture with the 2 large eggs, the mashed potato, 250 g of bread flour, 3 g of dry yeast, 30 g of sugar, 10 g of honey, and the zest of one lemon. Trust me, this combination is pure magic! Mix everything until well combined, then gradually add in the 55 g of room temperature unsalted butter and the 5 g of salt. Keep mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft yet not sticky—like a little cloud of happiness!

Shaping and Rising

Now comes the fun part—shaping those donuts! Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a ball, being gentle yet firm. Then, use your fingers to make a hole in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens—donuts need their signature shape!

Place your shaped donuts on a parchment-lined sheet and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for at least 1 hour in a warm spot. This rising time is essential; it allows the donuts to puff up beautifully, creating that light, airy texture we all love.

Frying the Donuts

Alright, it’s frying time! Heat your oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 340°F (170°C). Be careful—hot oil can be tricky! I recommend using a candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. Once the oil is hot, gently drop in a couple of donuts at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and deliciously puffed up.

After frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, toss them in sugar for that perfect sweet coating. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a batch of delightful Neapolitan Potato Donuts that are just begging to be devoured. Enjoy the fruits of your labor—you’ve earned it!

Tips for Success

Making Neapolitan Potato Donuts is a delightful process, but a few tips can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time! First, always use fresh ingredients. The quality of your potatoes and yeast plays a significant role in flavor and texture. Trust me, it makes a difference!

When boiling your potatoes, make sure to salt the water generously. This little step infuses flavor right into the potatoes, which enhances the overall taste of your donuts. And remember, the smoother your mashed potatoes, the better your donuts will be. No lumps, please!

Don’t rush the resting and rising times. These steps are crucial for developing that airy, fluffy texture. If your kitchen is chilly, consider placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed oven.

Finally, keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. Too hot, and your donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil. A candy thermometer is your best friend here! With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch of Neapolitan Potato Donuts that will impress everyone. Happy frying!

Nutritional Information Section

Let’s talk about what’s in these delightful Neapolitan Potato Donuts! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates per serving, which is one donut. Here’s what you can expect:

• Calories: 464
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 19g
• Sodium: 332mg
• Cholesterol: 445mg
• Sugar: 12g

These donuts are a delicious treat, perfect for celebrations, but like any indulgence, moderation is key. Enjoy them during Carnival or on special occasions, and savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about Neapolitan Potato Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear from donut enthusiasts:

Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh mashed potatoes are the star of this recipe, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just follow the package instructions to prepare them, but keep in mind the texture might not be quite the same as using fresh potatoes.

How should I store leftover donuts?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise. This makes morning frying a breeze! Just remember to let them come to room temperature before frying.

What can I use instead of peanut oil for frying?

Peanut oil is great for frying due to its high smoke point, but you can also use avocado oil or canola oil as alternatives. Both will give you that lovely golden color and crispy texture.

Can I add flavors or toppings to my donuts?

Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. For toppings, consider a chocolate glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic touch. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Neapolitan Potato Donuts is truly a delightful experience, and there are so many reasons to fall in love with them! Here are just a few:

• Unique Flavor: The combination of mashed potatoes and a hint of lemon zest creates a flavor that’s both comforting and surprising!
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that these donuts are a breeze to whip up.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s Carnival or a family gathering, these donuts are sure to impress and bring joy to any occasion.
• Delightfully Fluffy: The potato base gives them a light, airy texture that’s simply irresistible!

Trust me, once you try making these Neapolitan Potato Donuts, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your home!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve created these heavenly Neapolitan Potato Donuts, let’s talk about how to elevate your donut experience even further! Pairing these fluffy delights with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level.

First off, consider serving them with a warm cup of espresso or cappuccino. The rich coffee flavors complement the sweetness of the donuts perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, a side of fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote adds a refreshing contrast. You can even whip up a simple lemon glaze to drizzle over the donuts for an extra zesty kick!

For a more indulgent treat, try filling some of the donuts with a luscious pastry cream or chocolate ganache. And don’t forget about a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for that classic touch. Whatever you choose, these Neapolitan Potato Donuts are sure to shine on your table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious Neapolitan Potato Donuts at their best, proper storage is key! If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month without losing their delightful texture.

When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let the frozen donuts thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to warm them up, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that lovely fluffy texture. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid making them too chewy. Enjoy your heavenly donuts fresh again!

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