Beignets

Beignets Recipe from France - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Beignets, a quintessential New Orleans treat, are soft, pillowy fried dough squares, generously dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe brings the magic of Louisiana's beloved pastry into your kitchen, offering a taste of Mardi Gras any day of the year. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these beignets are sure to delight anyone who tries them.

History

The history of beignets dates back to ancient Rome, but it was the French settlers who brought them to Louisiana in the 18th century. Originally served to celebrate Mardi Gras, beignets have become a year-round staple in New Orleans, often enjoyed with a cup of chicory coffee. The recipe has evolved over time, but the essence of beignets remains the same: a delicious, deep-fried dough.

Ingredients

4 to 4.5 cups of all-purpose flour
0.5 cup of sugar
1 package (0.25 oz or 7 g) of active dry yeast
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of milk
0.5 cup of butter or margarine
1 egg
vegetable oil
powdered sugar

How to prepare

Insert the dough hook attachment into the mixer.
Mix 1.5 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt on low speed.
Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan until warm, around 85°F (29°C).
Add the warm milk and butter to the flour mixture, mixing at medium speed.
Add the egg and mix at medium speed for 2 minutes.
Add 1 cup of flour, beating at medium speed until smooth.
Add the remaining flour as necessary to make a soft elastic dough, mixing at medium speed until the dough climbs the hook.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place free from drafts until doubled in size, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Punch the dough down and roll it on a floured surface to a thickness of 0.25 inches.
Cut the dough into 2.5-inch squares, cover, and let them rise until doubled in size, which takes about 1 hour.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a large saucepan to 350°F (177°C).
Fry the doughnuts until they turn golden, which takes about 2 minutes on each side.
Drain the doughnuts on paper towels.
Sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Enjoy.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding fillings such as chocolate, fruit preserves, or cream cheese before frying. Alternatively, flavor the dough with lemon zest, vanilla extract, or cinnamon for a different taste profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best beignets, ensure your yeast is fresh and active to guarantee a good rise. The temperature of the milk and butter mixture is crucial; too hot, and you risk killing the yeast, too cold, and the yeast won't activate. When frying, keep the oil at a consistent temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve beignets fresh and warm, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. They are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a traditional New Orleans experience, pair them with chicory coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the traditional method for cooking beignets, providing them with their characteristic crispy exterior and soft interior. For a lighter version, beignets can be baked, though the texture will differ from the classic fried preparation.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use a dairy-free margarine. To make the recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

The beignet dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before rolling, cutting, and frying.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve beignets on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an extra touch of decadence.

Pairing Recommendations

Beignets pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack. For dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fruit compote for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of beignets (about 3 beignets) contains approximately 300-400 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the beignets and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.

Carbohydrates

A serving of beignets primarily provides carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 35-45 grams of carbs. The majority of these carbs come from the all-purpose flour and sugar used in the recipe.

Fats

Beignets are fried, contributing to their fat content. Each serving can contain between 10 to 15 grams of fat, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. The type of oil used for frying can also affect the fat profile, with vegetable oil being a common choice for its neutral flavor.

Proteins

Beignets offer a modest amount of protein, with each serving providing about 5-7 grams. This protein comes from the all-purpose flour and the egg included in the dough.

Vitamins and minerals

While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, beignets do provide small amounts of calcium and iron from the flour and milk. They also contain trace amounts of B vitamins from the yeast.

Alergens

Common allergens in this beignet recipe include gluten (from wheat flour), dairy (from milk), and eggs. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this recipe or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Beignets are a delicious treat best enjoyed in moderation due to their high carbohydrate and fat content. They provide a small amount of protein and some essential nutrients, making them a delightful indulgence for special occasions.

Summary

This beignet recipe offers a taste of New Orleans' rich culinary tradition, perfect for those looking to indulge in a sweet, fluffy treat. With detailed nutrition information, serving suggestions, and tips for variations, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, these beignets are sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Louise in New Orleans. She had invited me over for tea, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on steaming cups of Earl Grey, she suddenly got up and disappeared into a cabinet.

"Wait right here, I have something special to show you," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I watched curiously as she rummaged through her collection of cookbooks, finally pulling out a weathered and well-loved book with a faded floral cover. Flipping through the pages, she stopped on a recipe for beignets.

"These are a New Orleans specialty," she explained, tracing her finger over the neatly handwritten instructions. "Light and fluffy fried dough, dusted with powdered sugar. They're absolutely divine."

I couldn't take my eyes off the page as she described the process of making these delectable treats. I could almost taste the warm, sugary goodness melting in my mouth.

"Would you like to give them a try?" Louise asked, sensing my eagerness.

And so, we spent the rest of the afternoon mixing, kneading, and frying up batch after batch of beignets. The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of yeast and sugar, and by the time we were done, we had a heaping pile of golden-brown pastries dusted with snowy white sugar.

As we sat down to enjoy our handiwork, I took my first bite of a freshly fried beignet. The dough was light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew then and there that I had found a new favorite recipe.

When I returned home from my visit with Louise, I couldn't stop thinking about those beignets. I was determined to recreate them in my own kitchen, so I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. I poured over the recipe, reading and re-reading the instructions until I had them memorized.

The first few attempts were far from perfect. The dough was too sticky, the oil too hot, or the beignets too flat. But I refused to give up. With each batch, I learned something new – the importance of kneading the dough just right, the perfect temperature for frying, and the ideal amount of powdered sugar for dusting.

Finally, after many trials and errors, I achieved success. The dough rose beautifully, the beignets puffed up in the hot oil, and each bite was a heavenly explosion of flavor. I couldn't believe I had created something so delicious in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my recipe for beignets. I experimented with different fillings – from classic powdered sugar to savory options like cheese and herbs. I shared my creations with friends and family, who raved about my culinary skills. And every time I made a batch of beignets, I thought of Louise and our unforgettable afternoon in her kitchen.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of baking bread and bubbling stews, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that started it all. Beignets have become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that never fails to bring joy and delight to those who taste it.

And as I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that they too will experience the same sense of wonder and satisfaction that I felt when I first learned to make these delectable treats. Beignets are more than just a recipe – they are a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simplest of pleasures, shared with loved ones and savored with every bite.