Belgium Oliebollen are traditional Belgian doughnuts enjoyed during winter, especially around Christmas and New Year. These treats are known for their crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior, typically dusted with powdered sugar and served warm.

Oliebollen, or "oil balls," have been a staple in Belgian cuisine for centuries. Originally a holiday dessert, they are now a popular snack sold year-round at fairs, carnivals, and markets.

Belgium Oliebollen feature a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior. Raisins, currants, and chopped apples add fruity sweetness, while powdered sugar adds a finishing touch.

Ingredients

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm milk

- 2 eggs

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup raisins

- 1/2 cup currants

- 1/2 cup chopped apples

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- 1 package instant yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- Powdered sugar for dusting

- Vegetable oil for frying

Method

1. Mix flour, yeast, salt, and cinnamon.

2. Whisk warm milk, sugar, and melted butter until sugar dissolves.

3. Combine milk mixture with flour mixture.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time.

5. Stir in raisins, currants, and apples.

6. Let dough rest for an hour until doubled in size.

7. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

8. Drop dough balls into hot oil, fry until golden brown.

9. Drain on paper towels.

10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Tips

- Add baking powder for a lighter doughnut.

- Experiment with different fruits or nuts for extra flavor.

Belgium Oliebollen are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for holidays or any time of year. Enjoy these traditional Belgian doughnuts with their crispy exterior and sweet, fruity interior.

Nutrition Value:

1. 3 cups all-purpose flour

- Calories: 1,365

- Carbohydrates: 285g

- Protein: 39g

- Fat: 3g

- Sodium: 6mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B9

- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus

- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy and some B vitamins and minerals.

2. 1 cup warm milk

- Calories: 149

- Carbohydrates: 12g

- Protein: 8g

- Fat: 8g

- Sodium: 105mg

- Cholesterol: 24mg

- Vitamins: A, B2, B12, D

- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, phosphorus

- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.

3. 2 eggs

- Calories: 143

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 12g

- Fat: 10g

- Sodium: 142mg

- Cholesterol: 372mg

- Vitamins: A, B2, B12, D

- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium

- Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

4. 1/2 cup sugar

- Calories: 387

- Carbohydrates: 100g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy from simple carbohydrates.

5. 1/2 cup raisins

- Calories: 217

- Carbohydrates: 58g

- Protein: 2g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 7mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B6, C

- Minerals: Iron, potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds natural sweetness, fiber, and essential minerals.

6. 1/2 cup currants

- Calories: 222

- Carbohydrates: 58g

- Protein: 2g

- Fat: 1g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C

- Minerals: Iron, potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals with natural sweetness.

7. 1/2 cup chopped apples

- Calories: 32

- Carbohydrates: 8g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C

- Minerals: Potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds fiber and vitamin C.

8. 1/4 cup melted butter

- Calories: 407

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 46g

- Sodium: 400mg

- Cholesterol: 122mg

- Vitamins: A, E

- Minerals: Calcium

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and fat-soluble vitamins.

9. 1 package instant yeast

- Calories: 21

- Carbohydrates: 3g

- Protein: 2g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, B12

- Minerals: Iron, potassium, zinc

- Nutritional Benefit: Aids in dough rising and provides essential B vitamins.

10. 1 teaspoon salt

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2,325mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and is necessary for bodily functions in moderation.

11. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: K

- Minerals: Calcium, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

12. Powdered sugar for dusting

- Calories: Varies (about 30 calories per tablespoon)

- Carbohydrates: Varies

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: Varies

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and visual appeal.

13. Vegetable oil for frying

- Calories: Varies (about 120 calories per tablespoon)

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 14g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: E

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Necessary for frying, adds calories, and provides fat for energy.

Belgium Oliebollen are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed all year round, but are especially popular during the winter months. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes, so why not give them a try?