Description
Sweet French Quarter magic comes alive with Mardi Gras beignets, powdered sugar-dusted pillows of New Orleans joy. Crispy, warm squares transport you to festive Louisiana streets with each delightful, golden bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frying and Finishing:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a spacious mixing vessel.
- In a separate container, thoroughly blend milk, eggs, and melted butter until uniform.
- Gradually incorporate wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Transfer dough onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead for approximately 90 seconds, creating a smooth consistency.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten dough to a half-inch thickness, then slice into uniform squares or rectangular shapes.
- Prepare a deep pot with vegetable oil, heating to precisely 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Cautiously lower dough pieces into hot oil in manageable batches, ensuring each side turns a rich golden brown within 1-2 minutes.
- Remove beignets using a slotted spoon and place on absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Generously dust the warm pastries with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating before serving.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect texture by not overmixing the dough, which can make beignets tough and dense.
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and almond flour to maintain a light, crispy result.
- Control oil temperature precisely using a digital thermometer to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy or burnt beignets.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg