Best 5 Authentic Beignets Recipes
Beignets, those delectable treats with their airy texture and crispy exteriors, hold a special place in the realm of fried dough delicacies. Their origins can be traced back to the vibrant culinary history of New Orleans, where they are celebrated as a quintessential indulgence. These square or rectangular pillows of dough, generously coated in powdered sugar, have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, making them an iconic representation of the city's rich culinary heritage. As we delve into the art of crafting authentic beignets, let us embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind their irresistible charm and explore the techniques that elevate these simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
NEW ORLEANS STYLE BEIGNET RECIPE
Beignets (pronounced "ben-YAYS") are a traditional New Orleans deep-fried yeast pastry. In the heart of the French Quarter at the Café du Monde, every good day starts and often ends with a plate of these airy golden treats and a cup of chicory-infused café au lait. Rising times are not included in the prep and cooking times.
Provided by lazyme
Categories Breakfast
Time 20m
Yield 2 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand).
- Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk.
- Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening.
- When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
- At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it's a touch thing.
- Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough.
- Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).
- After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2-inch thick.
- With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2-inch wide strips.
- Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.
- Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven).
- When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees.
- Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them.
- When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil).
- Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain.
- Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn't contain much sugar, you will want a lot!).
- Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1142.7, Fat 22.5, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 111.3, Sodium 693.5, Carbohydrate 200.5, Fiber 7.2, Sugar 25.6, Protein 32
FRENCH BEIGNETS
These are not exactly the same as the traditional beignets made at Cafe DuMond in New Orleans. When all is said and done that doesn't really matter too much as they are delicious in themselves, no matter what they are. I think of them more as drops of French donuts that are very simple and easy to make. This is the recipe I had tried about 25 years ago and had lost the recipe, but I found it again recently at the Pillsbury website and was really happy about that. The dipping sauce is definitely not traditional, but an added touch of my own that I think really makes these shine. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Provided by PalatablePastime
Categories Breads
Time 45m
Yield 5 dozen, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt.
- Place water and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add all of the flour mixture in the bowl, stirring briskly (it will come together like a ball); remove pan from heat.
- Using a large whisk, blend in eggs one at a time, until mixture is smooth and whites are well incorporated.
- Add the lemon zest and stir to blend.
- Heat enough oil to deep fry to a temp of 375F (at least several inches).
- Drop batter mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls into hot oil and cook 5-7 minutes, frequently turning beignets with chopsticks to cook all sides, and frying until nicely golden.
- Drain beignets on paper towels.
- When cool, dust with powdered sugar (if you dust them while they are too warm, the sugar will melt and get damp).
- Heat jam or jelly until melted using a small saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally as it melts.
- Serve beignets with melted jam as a dipping sauce.
NEW ORLEANS BEIGNETS
These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans' traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. -Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 4 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, oil, sugar, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Punch down dough. Turn onto a floured surface; roll into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Cut into 2-in. squares. , In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch oil to 375°. Fry squares, in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Roll warm beignets in confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 146mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
BEIGNETS
Steps:
- In a bowl of a kitchen aid mixer dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk and next 5 ingredients. Then beat in flour, 1 cup at a time, on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Dough will be sticky. Work 1/4 of the dough at a time. Place on a well-floured board and roll dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough into 2 inch squares (irregular shapes are OK). Preheat oil to 370 degrees. Fry squares in oil, just a few at a time. When they rise to the surface, flip and cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.
BEIGNETS
A traditional New Orleans-style recipe for their famous beignets! Grab a cafe au lait and you're set!
Provided by ginampls
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes
Time 3h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
- Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
- Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.7 calories, Carbohydrate 82.7 g, Cholesterol 44.5 mg, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 276.6 mg, Sugar 15.8 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Active dry yeast should be foamy and bubbly when mixed with warm water and sugar, indicating that it is fresh and active. All-purpose flour should be spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off with a knife to ensure accurate measurement. Butter should be cold and cut into small pieces for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Make sure the yeast mixture is foamy and bubbly before adding it to the flour mixture. If the yeast mixture is not active, the beignets will not rise properly.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will make the beignets chewy and light.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. This will allow the yeast to multiply and produce carbon dioxide gas, which will cause the beignets to rise.
- When frying the beignets, make sure the oil is hot enough, about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Fry the beignets in small batches so that they do not overcrowd the pan and cook evenly.
- Drain the beignets on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve the beignets hot, dusted with powdered sugar.
Conclusion:
Beignets are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any other special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make beignets that are light, fluffy, and irresistible.
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