2 medium sweet potatoes, about 9–10oz
(250–275g) total, peeled and cut into
large chunks
½lb (250g) pumpkin or butternut squash,
peeled and cut into large chunks
1 tsp salt
½ tsp crushed anise seed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 envelope (¼oz) active dry yeast
freshly ground black pepper
oil for deep frying
honey or maple syrup to serve
1Place the sweet potato and pumpkin in a large saucepan with just enough
water to soften (don’t add too much water, as the sweet potato and pumpkin
have enough liquid content of their own—otherwise you will end up with mush).
Bring to a boil and simmer until tender, stirring frequently, to prevent sticking.
2Drain off any excess liquid, and mash the sweet potato and pumpkin
together to form a smooth purée. Season with the salt, anise seed, and
pepper. Transfer to a large bowl, then stir in the flour. In a small bowl, sprinkle the
yeast over ¼ cup warm water and stir to mix. Set aside for 5–10 minutes until
the yeast bubbles. Add to the sweet potato mixture to make a fairly firm dough,
adding more water or flour if necessary. Cover and let sit for 2 hours in a warm,
draft-free spot until the dough has puffed up to almost double in size.
3Heat the oil for deep frying. To test if the oil is hot enough, tear off a small
ball of dough and shape into a ring by pressing it flat in your hands and
making a hole in the center with your thumb and forefinger. Gently drop the
doughnut into the oil, being careful to avoid any splattering from the hot oil, and
fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once during the cooking. Drain on
paper towels. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dough—it may need a little
extra salt or some more anise seed. When you are happy with the seasoning,
form the rest of the dough into rings, and fry in batches until pale golden brown
on both sides, again turning once during cooking.
4These are best eaten at once. Serve piping hot with honey or maple syrup
for drizzling over the top.
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