Beignets

Beignets, the oh-so-lovely pillows of sweetness, hail from Louisiana, specifically the buzzing, jazz-filled streets of New Orleans. Perfect for Sunday brunches, Mardi Gras celebrations or when you just need a true, sugary pick-me-up. Beignets are deep-fried dough balls, typically covered in a snowfall of powdered sugar. They’re fluffy, soft but with a crispy outer layer, and downright addicting. Trust me, once you get a taste of these babies, there’s no going back! Go on and give it a try, you’re gonna love ’em!

Oh, I almost forget. Let’s get you ready with some info first:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes dough resting time)
• Servings: Makes about 20 beignets
• Yield: 20 delicious pillows of sweetness.

Alright, let’s gear up and get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup Lukewarm Water
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons Yeast
• 3 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk
• 2 tablespoons Shortening
• 1 quart Vegetable Oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup Confectioner’s Sugar

Necessary Equipment: Frying pan, mixing bowls, rolling pin and a sharp knife.

In this recipe, the yeast helps the dough to rise and provide a fluffy texture. Shortening makes the dough tender, while the confectioner’s sugar! Oh honey, that’s the southern snow that makes the beignets irresistible! If you’re out of evaporated milk, you can use regular milk instead.

How To Make Beignets

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, then add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well.
2. Mix in 2 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then gradually add the remaining flour.
3. Roll out on floured board to 1/8 inch thickness, cut into 2 1/2 inch squares, and fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil until lightly golden. Dust beignets with confectioner’s sugar and serve warm.

Tips For The Best Results

• Keep the oil at a constant temperature to ensure even frying.
• Sift the powdered sugar for a finer texture.

Storage Tips

• Store the beignets in an airtight container. They’re best when eaten within one to two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes until golden.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! The dough freezes well for up to three months.

Q: Can I use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the texture and taste will change slightly.

Q: Are beignets gluten-free?
A: No, this recipe isn’t gluten-free as it uses regular flour.

Q: Can I use almond milk instead of evaporated milk?
A: Yes, but it may alter the taste a bit.

Nutritional Facts of Beignets

Each beignet (without the powdered sugar) contains about 225 calories, 4g of protein, 9g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 2g of sugars.

Last but not least, I gotta tell ya, beignets is one of those feel-good foods you won’t regret making. Whether enjoyed with a chicory coffee on a breezy morning or as dessert after dinner, you’ll understand why they’ve secured a legendary place in NOLA’s heart. Happy cooking, y’all!