Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts) Recipe

What are sufganiyot? Sufganiyot (plural of “sufganiyah”) is the Israeli version of jelly donuts traditional for Hanukkah. Fried foods are traditional at Hanukkah to commemorate the provision of the oil in the rededicated temple. Here is one recipe (out of so many) with which you can experiment your donut making skills! Enjoy!
2(1/4 ounce) envelopes dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk or soymilk
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
6 tablespoons shortening or margarine
5 cups flour
oil, for deep frying
1 (13 1/2 ounce) jar strawberry jelly (or other fruit jelly)
confectioners’ sugar
1 – Sprinkle yeast over warm water and let stand five minutes or until foamy.
2 – In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and two cups flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed.
3 – Beat in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about five minutes or until smooth and elastic.
4 – Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about an hour or a bit longer.
5 – Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into circles. Let rise again until doubled in bulk.
6 – Heat 4 cups of oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350. Carefully slide doughnuts into hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn the doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Doughnuts are ready when both sides are golden brown.
7 – Fill with 1 T jelly using a pastry injector, or by cutting a small slit in the side of the doughnut and inserting the jelly with a baby spoon. Close tightly; roll or sprinkle in confectioners’ sugar.
One more thing…hide those donuts (from those inquisitive and hungry little fingers) if you don’t want to find yourself out of those delicious munchies before the party!! It happened to me – it could happen to you too!