Craving that warm, cheesy, herby goodness you get at Olive Garden, but without the restaurant price tag? Then you're in for a treat! This recipe recreates the magic of those addictive parmesan-herb donuts – a delicious and surprisingly easy appetizer or side dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade, healthy twist on a restaurant favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup milk (whole milk recommended for best flavor and texture)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and oregano.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and milk until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter to cut out the donuts. If you don't have a cutter, use a glass or a jar to cut out circles. Then use a smaller glass to cut out the center of some of the donuts.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Heat about ½ inch of olive oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of dough dropped in should sizzle immediately), carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the warm Parmesan-herb donuts immediately. They're delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce – marinara sauce is a classic choice!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Parmesan-Herb Donuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for evenly browned donuts.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your donuts and the heat of your stove. Adjust accordingly.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs offer the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a little heat.
- Garlic goodness: Include 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough for a stronger flavor.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Romano.
- Herb variations: Add other herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 (depending on size and oil absorption)
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer at home. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun get-together. These easy recipes and healthy meals will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy your homemade, delicious dishes!