Sufganiyot-Plump Chanukah Fried Doughnuts

These Israeli doughnuts, which are deep-fried in oil, commemorate the miracle of the burning oil lamps in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Plump up the doughnuts with your favorite fruit jams, and serve them hot, if possible.

For a wintry effect, sprinkle their tops with granulated sugar.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 Cup warm water, (100 degrees to 110 degrees)
• 1/4 Cup plus
• 1 Teaspoon sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 Teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups vegetable oil, plus more for bowl
• Almond Slivers

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
• Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center; add eggs, yeast mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, butter, nutmeg, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a sticky dough forms.
• On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger, about 8 minutes (add more flour if necessary).
• Place in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch-round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise 15 minutes.
• In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 370 degrees.
• Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into oil. Fry until golden, about 40 seconds. Turn doughnuts over; fry until golden on other side, another 40 seconds.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all dough, and roll in sugar then sprinkle with finely chopped almond slivers.