Beignets are scrumptious pastries similar to donuts, fritters and even profiteroles. They are more formally classified as a choux pastry in the culinary world. Beignets are square shaped, fried pieces of dough that are hollow on the inside. They are luxuriously fluffy and soft while also being crispy at the edges. Beignets are almost always served with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar but they can also be topped with melted dark chocolate, honey, or another syrup of your choice. This decadent dessert is native to France but it is also incredibly popular in New Orleans. Café du Monde in New Orleans has been visited by hordes of fanatics for their iconic beignets. This dish is perfect for special occasions. Impress your family and friends with your mastery of coveted French cooking with the recipe below.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups of water (lukewarm – 45 degrees C)
• ½ cup white sugar (granulated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup shortening/margarine/butter
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying (0.95 litres)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
• Take a large bowl and fill the bowl with warm water. Then pour in the measured amount of yeast. Make sure the yeast dissolves in the warm water.
• Next add the measured amount of evaporated milk and the eggs.
• After you’ve added the wet ingredients, add the measured quantities of sugar and salt.
• Mix the yeast, the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients with a blender.
• Once you’ve blended them, add only 4 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix well to incorporate the flour evenly. The mixture should be smooth.
• Add the required amount of the shortening, margarine or butter to the bowl. Mix well.
• Next add the rest (3 cups) of flour to the bowl. Mix the ingredients well.
• Cover the dough you’ve made and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, take out the dough and roll it out till it is 1/8th of an inch thick. Cut the beignets into 2 inch squares.
• If you do not wish to use the entirety of the dough at once you can cut out however much you would like to make and put the rest of the dough back in the refrigerator.
• Put the required amount of oil and turn on the flame, allowing the oil to get hot. Use a thermometer to check if the oil has reached 180 degrees C. Once it has reached this temperature, carefully put the squares into the oil to fry.
• You may use a small piece of the dough to test the heat.
• After that test again with only one beignet.
• The beignets should puff up. If the beignets do not rise, allow the oil to get hotter.
• Cut the first beignet – that you think is cooked – open and it should be hollow inside.
• Once the beignets have been cooked, pat them dry with tissues to remove the excess oil.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate or honey on top of the beignets and enjoy your delicious snack.
Last Updated on September 16, 2021
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