Lalagia (Λαλάγγια): Greek Donuts from the Peloponnese (sweet or savory, you choose!)

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• • Citrus zest
• • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for the sweet variety)
• • More ground cinnamon
• • Thyme, rosemary, or oregano for the savory version

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the yeast, sugar, and water in a...: Combine the yeast, sugar, and water in a small bowl and set aside for 7-8 minutes to proof.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl combine the flour,...: In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together.

3. 3

   Add the oil and mix together until the...: Add the oil and mix together until the dough crumbles.

4. 4

   Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture...: Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until the dough is smooth. Add some more flour if needed so that the dough is no longer sticky. Be careful with the flour. Adding too much will make the lalagia dry and tough.

5. 5

   Cover with a clean kitchen towel or with...: Cover with a clean kitchen towel or with plastic and set aside to rise for an hour or until doubled in volume.

6. 6

   Rub some oil onto a cutting board or...: Rub some oil onto a cutting board or work surface where you will be rolling out the strips of dough.

7. 7

   Take walnut-sized pieces of dough and roll them...: Take walnut-sized pieces of dough and roll them into long strips.

8. 8

   To create the shapes, either attach the ends...: To create the shapes, either attach the ends of each strip together to form an oval or,

9. 9

   • Attach the end of each strip to...: • Attach the end of each strip to the center (middle) to form an oval

10. 10

    • Take the other end and attach it...: • Take the other end and attach it to the center of the oval. You should end up with the shape of an “8”

11. 11

    Form all of the Lalagia and set them...: Form all of the Lalagia and set them aside. Keep them loosely covered with a towel. Set them aside while the oil heats up.

12. 12

    Heat the oil in a skillet/pot until very...: Heat the oil in a skillet/pot until very hot (about 375 °F).

13. 13

    Fry a few Lalagia at a time until...: Fry a few Lalagia at a time until golden all around. About 3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan which will cause the oil’s temperature to drop. If the oil’s temperature drops too low the Lalagia will absorb the oil and they will not taste good.

14. 14

    Transfer the cooked Lalagia to a tray that...: Transfer the cooked Lalagia to a tray that has been lined with paper towels to drain and then serve.

15. 15

    For sweet Lalagia, dust them with plenty of...: For sweet Lalagia, dust them with plenty of powdered sugar and some ground cinnamon.

16. 16

    For savory Lalagia, serve them with feta and...: For savory Lalagia, serve them with feta and olives, or with your favorite dips. Enjoy!