DISH OF THE WEEK: Potato Donuts from THE HOLY DONUT (in Portland, Maine)

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City 

We go back to Maine every year for our anniversary and there are a few places we have to stop at to eat every single year. There are lobster rolls, giant oysters, and clam shacks. But we also always have to get these special doughnuts from a quirky little storefront in Portland.

As I was munching on the Sweet Potato with Ginger this year, I realized I had never shared these on my blog. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever written about my travels to Maine. Well, that had to change, of course.

Maybe one day you’ll get a full food round-up of some of Maine’s prettier coastal towns (email me for recommendations), but for now, you’ll have to settle on a post about these very special doughnuts.

One of the things that makes The Holy Donut different from others is that the bulk of their dough is from mashed potatoes. The potato adds a consistent moisture and fluffy richness. I guess you can say you’re eating vegetables with your dough bomb.

Flavors vary but come in some irresistible varieties like Fresh Lemon, Chai, and Maple Bacon. I am partial to the Dark Chocolate Glazed with Sea Salt and the aforementioned Sweet Potato with Ginger Sugar.

While the regular doughnuts are made with potato, they do add flour so they are not gluten free. However, they make a separate batch of gluten free doughnuts (in similarly interesting flavors). And let me tell you, they gluten free options are pretty indistinguishable from the ones with flour.

All of the doughnuts I’ve ever tasted are freshly made with an incredible crackly crust and a fluffy exterior. I daresay they are better than any doughnut I’ve ever had in Ne York (apologies to great businesses like Dough and Doughnuttery). And that’s just one of the reasons we got married in Maine and go back every October. Price: $2.32/$12.04 (half dozen)/$21.99 (dozen)