In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, semolina, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Gradually add more warm water while stirring until you get a thick, cake-like batter.

Cover the bowl and let the batter rise for about 1 hour.

Prepare a small bowl with 1/2 cup water and a teaspoon for shaping the dough.

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Dip the teaspoon in water, then scoop some batter and drop it into the hot oil. Repeat until the pan is full, frying the dough balls until they are half-cooked, turning as needed.

Remove the half-cooked donuts and place them on a tray to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining batter, always removing them when half-cooked and arranging them on the tray.

Once all the donuts are half-cooked and cooled, reheat the oil well. Fry the donuts again, stirring constantly, until they turn a uniform golden color. Serve with powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or honey as desired.