MEATY DOUGHNUT

Doughnut has gone through a lot of transformation over the years and I'm proud of the creatives we have out there. It started from making a ring at the middle which is considered the conventional way of making doughnut before the creation of doughnuts that are stuffed or glazed.


Virtually, everyone who buys a doughnut without the "ring" looks forward to something in the middle but I had a funny experience recently to be precise on Christmas day during an hangout with friends the doughnut we ordered was bland absolutely nothing in between. I felt really bad because customer service is very important and they failed in this regard and considering the amount paid I and my friends should be getting a quality service.

Meaty doughnut is an example of the stuffed doughnut you'll find our there like the jam filled doughnut. Not quite popular but I felt since we can add jam into doughnut what stops us from adding in protein or even vegetables if it's the vegetarian version. Doughnut is quite similar to pinkaso a dish indigenous to northern Nigeria and other northern parts of Africa the only difference is the texture. Jammy filled doughnut inspired this recipe and I must say from the pastry, to the meat sauce in between it was a scrumptious experience. A friend who did the taste test said it was a burst of flavour. You know why? Various spices were used in creating this deliciousness. This is me just thinking outside the box and doing things differently.

For more clarity, meaty doughnut is simply you stuffing the doughnut dough with the prepared meat sauce. I divided it into three segments it goes thus; making the dough, making the meat sauce and assembling the meaty doughnut. It can be eaten as a canapé and even as an appetizer.

Now, let's cook!

INGREDIENTS
(Dough recipe)

All purpose flour 2cups
Butter 1TBSP
Yeast 1 1/2 tsp
Sugar 1TBSP
1 large Egg
Warm water 1cup
Nutmeg
Salt

(Meat sauce)Ground beef or Cornedbeef 4TBSP
Olive Oil 2TBSP
Cloves 3
Garlic 3
Ginger
Thyme
Salt
Carrot 2 medium sized
Onion medium
Cayenne pepper
Soy sauce
Optional ingredients: Rosemary, Parsley

PROCEDURE / STEPS:

Procedures for making the dough

Step 1: Add flour and butter into a bowl combine till it blends.

Step 2: Add yeast, nutmeg, sugar and salt.

Step 3: crack in egg and add warm water. knead till its in a stretchy consistency.

TD's Tip: For kneading, it is advisable to transfer dough to a floured surface.

Step 4: slightly oil the bowl, place the dough and cover with kitchen towel or lid or cling film. Leave to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5: After the dough has doubled in size, transfer back to a work surface and cut into 10-12 equal parts.

Step 6: Stretch each part and knead into a ball shape. Leave to rise again for 8-10 minutes.

TD's Tip: The dough should be covered with a kitchen towel.

Procedure for making the meat sauce 

Step 7: All the the ingredients should be finely diced while the garlic and ginger should be grated.

TD's Tip: If you so choose you can chop the ginger and garlic but I prefer grating it. Because I pay attention to texture and how food looks generally when cooking.

Step 8: In pan add the oil and cloves. Let this infuse it's flavour into the oil. Take out before adding other ingredients.


Step 9: Add meat and pan fry for few minutes.

Step 10: Add thyme, salt, carrot, garlic, ginger , onion, spring onion, cayenne pepper and soy sauce stir till its fully combine. Leave to simmer and take off heat.

TD's Tip: Leave sauce to cool before using. Also ensure you use the ingredients sparingly but taste as you go along.

Procedure for assembling the meaty doughnut

Step 11: Flaten the dough with your hand and scoop some meat sauce in. Now, seal by stretching one end of the dough to another when you've successfully sealed the sauce leave aside and continue with the rest.

Step 12: Place a fryer with oil on heat and bring to a temperature suitable for frying.

TD's Tip: Add few cloves of garlic and cloves into the oil when it sizzles it's time to fry the meaty doughnut. Please note that, indirectly you're adding more flavour to the oil. 

Step 13: Fry the meaty doughnut on both sides till it's golden brown, place on kitchen towel to drain excess oil and serve.


TD's Tip: For even cooking, it is nice to fry in batches and not overcrowd the fryer. Also take all necessary precautions when dealing with hot oil.

Bon appetite!