Grophens (German Mashed Potato Doughnuts)

Grophens are an old German "donut." This recipe has been handed down to me from my mom which was handed down to her from her mom. Grophens taste the best when eaten hot right out of the fryer sprinkled with sugar! Grophens can be sugared while hot.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 101 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup lukewarm water
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 cup milk, scalded
• 2 ounces active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup shortening (such as Crisco®)
• ¼ cup raisins, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.

Step 3

Mix scalded milk with mashed potatoes, shortening, sugar, and salt.

Step 4

Add eggs and yeast mixture to milk mixture. Gradually add flour, beating with a large fork to form a soft dough. Stir in raisins.

Step 5

Turn out onto a floured board. Knead lightly. Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter (without center hole). Be sure the whole cutter is filled with dough.

Step 6

Place grophens on parchment paper-lined pans and let rise 1 hour. Stretch the sides with your fingers to form a slight hollow in the center.

Step 7

Fry grophens in the hot oil, working in batches, until golden, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.