Peruvian Picarones (pumpkin Fritters)

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• oil, for frying
• maple syrup

Recipe

• 1 in a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve.
• 2 add the sugar, egg, pumpkin, and salt; combine thoroughly.
• 3 add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough becomes too stiff to beat with a wooden spoon.
• 4 turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead in enough of the remaining flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers.
• 5 continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
• 6 shape it into a ball and place in a greased bowl. cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• 7 punch down the dough and tear off pieces, shaping into doughnut-like rings, about 3 inches in diameter.
• 8 heat about 1-inch of oil in a deep skillet and fry the fritters for about 5 minutes, turning them once, until crisp and golden brown.
• 9 drain on paper towels and serve immediately with warm maple syrup.
• 10 makes 12 servings.