Beignets are a traditional pastry from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are deep-fried dough covered in powdered sugar, and they are a popular breakfast or dessert option. This recipe will teach you how to make homemade beignets that are just as good as the ones you'll find in New Orleans!
Ingredients
To make beignets, you will need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 envelope of active dry yeast
2 eggs
1 cup of evaporated milk
7 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon of salt
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the sugar in warm water
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix in the eggs and evaporated milk
In the same bowl, add the eggs and evaporated milk to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it is well-combined.
Step 3: Add the flour, shortening, and salt
Next, add the flour, shortening, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Roll out the dough
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 7: Cut the dough into squares
Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Step 8: Heat the oil
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer until it reaches 375°F.
Step 9: Fry the beignets
Fry the beignets in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain.
Step 10: Dust with powdered sugar
While the beignets are still warm, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
This recipe makes about 36 beignets. Each beignet has approximately 160 calories, 5 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make homemade beignets, you can enjoy this delicious treat anytime you want! Serve them for breakfast or dessert and impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Don't forget to dust them with plenty of powdered sugar for that classic New Orleans flavor.
