New Orleans Beignets
Beignets are square, deep-fried dough puffs finished with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar, closely associated with the café culture of New Orleans. The dough comes together quickly and fries in just a few minutes per batch, making them achievable in about 30 minutes. Serve them hot — they're best eaten fresh from the oil.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-bottomed Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Large Plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water approximately 110°F
- 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 1/4 teaspoons
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 bottle vegetable oil or canola oil
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add salt, beaten egg, and evaporated milk to the yeast mixture. Whisk together until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing gently with a wooden spoon. Once the dough becomes too stiff, incorporate the melted butter, then knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape and Fry the Beignets:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or a dough cutter.
- In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets in batches, flipping them until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beignets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Dust and Serve:
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve the beignets warm with a hot cup of coffee for a true New Orleans experience.
Notes
- For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar or filling the beignets with a fruit jam for an extra pop of flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 648kcalCarbohydrates: 115gProtein: 16gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 349mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 405IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 5mg
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