Ricotta Doughnuts (Sufganiyot) & Our Favourite Comfort Food Recipes
As the nights draw in and the festive lights of London’s casino districts begin to twinkle, our team at Baliboosta craves the deep-fried, sugar-dusted comfort of our ricotta sufganiyot. There’s something about the combination of crisp exterior, cloud-soft interior, and a burst of sweet filling that perfectly matches the indulgent glow of a city evening, whether you’re planning a cosy night in or returning from a glamorous outing. This time of year, when warmth and generosity are the order of the day, our minds and menus turn to the soul-satisfying dishes of the Mediterranean and Israel. From these golden doughnuts to spiced pies and aromatic cakes, we’re sharing the recipes that define comfort for us, alongside where you can find similar luxurious indulgence at London’s finest casino venues and UK resort getaways.
Why Ricotta Doughnuts Are Our Hanukkah Favourite
When Hanukkah arrives, the traditional sufganiyot (jam-filled doughnuts) take centre stage, symbolising the miracle of the oil. While classic versions are beloved, our Baliboosta twist incorporates fresh ricotta into the dough. This isn’t just for novelty; the ricotta creates an incredibly tender, moist, and slightly creamy crumb that feels both decadent and surprisingly light. Imagine finishing a festive meal at the opulent The Ritz Club on Piccadilly or after a thrilling evening at The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square—a box of these lighter, sugar-dusted ricotta doughnuts would be the perfect, celebratory finale to any night of glamour.
A Brief History of Sufganiyot
Sufganiyot’s history is deeply intertwined with Hanukkah, dating back to at least the 16th century. The commandment to publicise the miracle of the single cruse of oil that burned for eight days led to a focus on foods fried in oil. These doughnuts, evolving from simple fried dough to the jam-filled pillows we know today, became a staple across Jewish communities in Europe and later in Israel, where they are now a national obsession during the festival, with millions consumed daily.
The Ricotta Advantage: Lighter, Creamier Dough
Adding ricotta to the doughnut batter is a game-changer. The cheese introduces fat and moisture in a uniquely delicate way, reducing the need for excess oil absorption during frying. The result is a doughnut that’s less greasy, with a rich, almost cheesecake-like tang and a melt-in-the-mouth texture that distinguishes it from heavier yeast-based versions. It’s a small tweak that honours tradition while elevating the eating experience to something truly special.
Our Foolproof Ricotta Doughnuts Recipe
This recipe is designed for confident results, yielding a batch of irresistible, golden doughnuts. They are best served warm, filled with your favourite jam or custard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the easiest shopping, we recommend Waitrose for a high-quality, creamy ricotta. You will need:
- 250g full-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 50g caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 125g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- Vegetable or sunflower oil, for deep frying
- Raspberry jam, vanilla custard, or dulce de leche for filling
Step-by-Step Frying Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined to avoid a tough dough. It will be sticky.
- Heat a deep, heavy-based pan with about 7cm of oil to 170°C (340°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Using two oiled spoons, carefully drop heaped tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until puffed and deep golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
Filling & Dusting Ideas
Once cool enough to handle, use a piping bag with a small nozzle to inject your chosen filling into the side of each doughnut. Roll them immediately in caster sugar. For a festive touch, mix a little cinnamon into the sugar, or use icing sugar for a snowy effect.
More Mediterranean Comfort Food for Cosy Nights
The same spirit of generous, flavour-forward cooking that inspires our sufganiyot extends to savoury dishes perfect for cosy nights in. These recipes bring the warmth of the Mediterranean and the Levant to your kitchen, echoing the indulgent atmosphere you might find at a plush UK casino resort.
Spiced Lamb & Feta Filo Pie
This is a showstopper. Savoury, spiced lamb mince (source quality lamb from Waitrose) is mixed with pine nuts, parsley, and briny feta, then wrapped in crisp, buttery layers of filo. It’s a comforting, shareable centrepiece that’s both rustic and luxurious.
Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
Velvety, nutty, and incredibly soothing, this soup is winter in a bowl. Garnished with crispy fried sage and a drizzle of truffle oil, it offers a restaurant-quality start to any meal that wouldn’t be out of place at a high-end casino brunch.
Orange & Cardamom Semolina Cake
Drenched in a citrus syrup, this moist, fragrant cake is a staple of Middle Eastern hospitality. The semolina gives it a delightful granular texture, while orange and cardamom perfume every bite. It’s the ideal, make-ahead dessert for a relaxed gathering.
Where to Find Casino Comfort Food in London
If you fancy letting someone else do the cooking while you enjoy a sophisticated setting, several London casino venues excel at comfort food with a Mediterranean twist.
Brunch at The Park Tower Casino
For a truly lavish weekend treat, the brunch offering at The Park Tower Casino is a standout. Expect elegant twists on classic brunch dishes, often incorporating elements like halloumi, za’atar, and smoked aubergine, providing that Baliboosta-approved Mediterranean flair alongside your morning game of chance.
Middle Eastern Small Plates at The Palm Beach Casino
Perfect for a social evening, The Palm Beach Casino offers a dining menu that frequently features Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. Think succulent lamb kofta, creamy hummus, and smoky baba ganoush—ideal for sharing in a glamorous, relaxed environment before trying your luck at the tables.
Pairing Comfort Food with Casino Resort Getaways
The UK’s casino resort scene has dramatically elevated its culinary game, making a weekend away as much about food as it is about entertainment. Destinations like the sprawling Aspers Casino in Westfield Stratford City or the vibrant Genting Casino in Birmingham boast multiple restaurants offering global cuisines. Use our recipes as inspiration for a themed night in before your trip, or seek out the Mediterranean options on their menus. These resorts understand that great food and great atmosphere are the perfect pairing, much like our ricotta doughnuts and a pot of strong coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Comfort Food Gathering
Hosting a relaxed dinner party centred on these comforting dishes is all about smart preparation and creating a warm atmosphere. Here’s how to ensure you enjoy the party as much as your guests.
Make-Ahead Strategies
The key to a stress-free evening is prep. The semolina cake can be made two days ahead. The soup can be blended and reheated. The filling for the filo pie can be cooked in advance. Even the ricotta doughnut batter can be mixed and kept chilled for a few hours before frying, so you can produce fresh, warm doughnuts for dessert with minimal fuss.
British Drink Pairings
Complement these rich flavours with excellent UK-available drinks. A bold, berry-rich English red wine from Kent pairs beautifully with the spiced lamb. For the doughnuts, consider a British cream sherry or a locally distilled vanilla-infused vodka over ice. It’s a wonderful way to support local producers while enhancing your Mediterranean feast.
We believe that whether you’re frying a batch of ricotta doughnuts in your own kitchen or seeking out a lavish Mediterranean-inspired brunch at a London casino, the heart of this cuisine is about sharing generous, soul-warming food. It’s a celebration of flavour, tradition, and togetherness that feels just right as the winter lights glow, wherever you choose to enjoy it.