Hungarian Cottage Cheese Donuts (Túrófánk)

Hungarian Túrófánk are wonderfully light cottage cheese donuts with a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, tender center. Unlike traditional yeast donuts, this Hungarian treat is made without yeast, so there is no long rising time.

They are especially delicious served warm with powdered sugar and apricot or plum jam.

Ingredients

• 500 g (about 1.1 lb) dry cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 250 g (about 2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 packet vanilla sugar
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for serving
• Apricot, plum, or raspberry jam, for serving

Important: Hungarian túró is typically much drier and crumblier than many American-style cottage cheeses. If yours is wet, drain it well before making the dough.