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Ingredients

Yield: 30 small doughnuts, with leftover jam

For the cherry jam:

  • 2 lbs. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup red wine, such as merlot or pinot noir
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

For the doughnuts:

  • Vegetable oil, for frying 
  • 2½ cups all purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups (16 oz.) nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Finely grated zest of 1 orange
  • Pinch salt
  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
  • Cherry jam
Hanukkah Middle East

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare the cherry jam: Combine the cherries, sugar, and wine in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, stirring to blend. Once the mixture starts to bubble at the edges, skim any foam from the top. 

Step 2

Let simmer, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as needed, so the mixture darkens in color and thickens to form a jam. If you’re using it right away, keep at room temperature; otherwise, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Step 3

Make the doughnuts: Heat 1” of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Line a platter with several layers of paper towels, or place a wire rack over a few layers of paper towels.

Step 4

Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, yogurt, eggs, olive oil, orange zest, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking to form a smooth batter.

Step 5

When the oil is hot (at the shimmer stage), use two tablespoons to drop 1” dollops of the batter into the oil; alternatively, oil your hands and roll the dough into small balls. Fry 5-6 at a time (do not crowd the pan) until brown, around 2 minutes per side, 4 minutes total per batch. If the doughnuts brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly as needed.

Step 6

Repeat, frying until all of the batter has been used. Transfer the doughnuts to the platter or rack. Sprinkle with the confectioners’ sugar; serve warm, with the jam on the side for dipping.