fánk

Fánk is a type of doughnut or fritter that originated in Hungary. It is traditionally made from a yeasted dough that is deep-fried and often served in a circular shape with a hole in the middle. The dough is typically enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar, giving it a rich and slightly sweet flavor.

The preparation of fánk involves several steps. First, the dough is mixed and allowed to rise. Once proofed, it is rolled out and cut into shapes, usually circles. These shapes are then fried in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. A characteristic of fánk is that they puff up significantly during frying.

After frying, fánk are typically dusted with powdered sugar, though other toppings like cinnamon sugar or glazes can also be used. Fánk are a popular pastry, especially during festive occasions like Carnival (Farsang in Hungarian) and holidays. They are often enjoyed with coffee or tea and are considered a comfort food in Hungarian cuisine. Variations of fánk can be found in other Central European countries, with subtle differences in ingredients and preparation methods.