Ditch the diet guilt: Enjoy lighter donuts with cottage cheese

Donuts are a traditional treat that we can't imagine missing during the carnival season—their popularity peaks on Fat Thursday, which falls on February 27th this year. However, you can enjoy them earlier if you're not on a strict diet.

Traditional donuts are made from a fluffy, buttery yeast dough and fried in deep fat. They're delicious, but it's best not to count the calories with those. If you're watching your calorie intake, opting for lighter versions of donuts is wiser. Many such options exist, and these donuts are much easier to prepare. Did a friend call to say they're visiting in the evening? You can have a plate of fresh donuts ready for them in no time.

Cottage cheese is a product that almost anyone on a diet has in their fridge. Nutritionists, loved by athletes recommend it, and it’s relatively inexpensive and widely available. It contains plenty of easily digestible protein, which makes it very filling. Its neutral taste also allows for the preparation of diet-friendly sweets. It's suitable for omelets, cakes, and muffins. You can also make light and delicious donuts with it.

Ingredients:

• About 7 oz (200 g) of cottage cheese
• About 7 oz (200 g) of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
• Half a tablespoon of white sugar (or another sweetener)
• 2 eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
• Powdered sugar (or xylitol powder) for serving
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Blend or mash the cottage cheese with a fork to ensure no lumps.
2. Sift the flour and baking powder together, then add to the bowl with the cottage cheese.
3. Add the vanilla sugar, white sugar, and eggs. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Heat oil in a skillet. Use two small spoons to shape the donuts and place them in the hot oil.
5. Fry them until they are golden brown.
6. Place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
7. Sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar, and enjoy!