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When most people think of doughnuts, they picture a ring of deep-fried dough with a hole in the middle (an innovation that came courtesy of a ship captain named Hanson Gregory in the mid-19th century), maybe topped with glaze or something equally sweet. But depending on where you are in the world, these tasty treats have evolved into different shapes, sizes, and flavors altogether.
1. Oliebollen
The Dutch are given credit for introducing the doughnut to America in the New Amsterdam settlement, a precursor to modern-day New York City.
Oliebollen—which means “oil balls”—are a New Year’s Eve treat in The Netherlands. They fit in the palm of the hand and often contain raisins, apples, or currants.