New Orleans Beignets Recipe

Introducing the star of the cafe du monde in New Orleans – the New Orleans Beignets! Picture a soft, pillowy square of dough, fried until golden and generously dusted with powdered sugar. That’s right, we’re bringing you the authentic New Orleans Beignets Recipe right here. These delightful pastries are a favorite for breakfast, a sweet snack on a lazy afternoon, or even to cheer up those late-night sweet cravings.

Now you may be wondering, what’s all the buzz about these beignets? So here’s the deal! This is no ordinary doughnut or pastry – it’s the epitome of comfort food, bringing you the heart of NOLA’s culinary scene right in your own kitchen. This recipe is simple, and the results? Delectably fluffy, sweet treats that can warm even the rainiest day. So put on some jazz, and let’s bring Bourbon Street right into your home.

With our stellar New Orleans Beignets Recipe, you’ll get that satisfying crunch as you bite into the golden exterior, followed by the incredibly soft and sweet center that’s oh-so-inviting. It���s a one-way ticket to a culinary carnival.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 Beignets
• Yield: 24 pieces

Now, pour yourself a cup of joe and fasten your apron strings. Let’s roll!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, room temperature and beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• 1/2 cup hot tap water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• Shortening, for deep-frying

Make sure you have a heavy-bottomed pot for deep frying and a slotted spoon for ease of flipping and removing beignets.

The all-important active dry yeast is the leavening agent that���ll give our beignets that cloud-like appearance and texture. As for the evaporated milk and butter, these contribute to a richness and depth of flavor that will truly transport you to the streets of the French Quarter.

If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk, and butter with vegan margarine.

How To Make New Orleans Beignets

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This process is called proofing the yeast.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture and egg into the bowl. Stir well until combined.
4. Bit by bit, add flour and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut into squares.
6. Heat shortening over medium heat until it���s hot enough. Add beignets in batches, frying until golden brown on each side.
7. Once done, remove the beignets and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, generously dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Voila! Your beignets are ready.

Tips For The Best Results

• Don���t over-knead the dough. It should be soft and a bit sticky for the best texture.
• Frying temperature is key. You want a hot enough oil to get that perfect golden brown.

Storage Tips

• Store the beignets in an airtight container. They don’t keep long and are best eaten fresh.
• If you have leftover dough, it can be refrigerated and fried up within the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are beignets vegan?

A: Traditional beignets contain milk and egg, but they can be made vegan by replacing those ingredients with vegan friendly substitutes.

Q: Can I fill the beignets with something?

A: Absolutely! Nutella, jam, or cream fillings are delicious additions.

Q: Why is my beignet dough sticky?

A: If the dough is too sticky, adding more flour will make it easier to handle.

Q: Can I freeze beignet dough?

A: Yes, you can definitely freeze beignet dough and defrost when ready to use it.

Q: Can this recipe be doubled/tripled?

A: Yes! You can easily scale this recipe to feed a crowd.

Nutritional Facts of New Orleans Beignets

Each beignet (assuming it absorbs 1/4 tsp of shortening while frying) contains about 145 calories, 2 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams protein.

And there you have it! Everything you need to create the perfect New Orleans Beignets: the ultimate comfort food straight from the heart of the French Quarter. Whether you���re serving them with coffee for breakfast, as a sweet afternoon bite, or for that late-night sugar rush, these little pastry pillows are sure to be a hit. So what are you waiting for? Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!