Try vegan Polish paczki berry recipe for a flavorsome day
Paczki are traditional Polish doughnuts, typically filled with jam and covered in sugar. Originating from Poland, these treats are most popular on Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday, marking the last days before Lent. Traditionally made with eggs and dairy, this guide will walk you through a vegan version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
You'll need two cups all-purpose flour, one-half cup lukewarm almond milk, one-fourth cup of granulated sugar, and two teaspoons active dry yeast. Include one-fourth cup unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute, one-fourth cup melted vegan butter, a pinch of salt, and one teaspoon vanilla extract. Have vegetable oil for frying, berry jam for filling, and powdered sugar for dusting ready.
Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm almond milk with the active dry yeast and one teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes. During this time, it should become frothy. This reaction is crucial because it activates the yeast. Activated yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, ensuring the desired texture for the paczki.
Mix dry and wet ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir everything well to ensure a uniform mix. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into this wet mixture. Continue until a soft dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it's smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. The warmth is crucial as it aids in fermenting the dough further. This process is key to achieving light and fluffy paczki, ensuring they have the perfect texture once cooked.
Fry paczki
Once risen, roll out your dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass rim. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Fry each piece until golden brown on both sides, then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
Fill with jam and serve
After cooling slightly but still warm, use a piping bag with a narrow nozzle to fill each paczki with your preferred berry jam. Then, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Serve the vegan Polish paczki berry delight while they are fresh for the best taste experience. This step ensures each bite is filled with delightful sweetness and flavor.
