Best New Orleans Beignets From The French Quarter Recipes

NEW ORLEANS STYLE BEIGNET RECIPE

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!

NEW ORLEAN'S BEIGNETS FROM THE FRENCH QUARTER

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water, stir to dissolve. Add sugar, salt and two beaten eggs. Blend with hand mixer or blender.
• Add four cups flour to bowl with above ingredients and beat or whip smooth. Add shortening and beat in remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover with foil or plastic and refrigerate overnight.
• Next morning form dough into balls slightly larger than a golf ball.
• Deep fry these a few at a time. Drain on paper towel and sprinkle and/or roll immediately with Powdered Sugar. These are not overly sweet but like a sweet bread.
• The eggs produce a spongy dough and the texture should be between cake doughnut and a French Cruller doughnut. They should be slightly bouncy to the feel. You're Gonna Thank Me. Beau Jour!

NEW ORLEANS BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a big bowl.
• In a smaller bowl, combine the milk, water, and egg; whisk until well blended.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; stir until the batter is well blended and smooth.
• In a deep-fat fryer or deep, heavy skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over med-high heat until it reaches 325° on a deep fat thermometer.
• Drop the batter by heaping teaspoons into the fat about 10 at a time (never overcrowding the vessel), fry until golden brown, 6-7 minutes, and drain on paper towels.
• Place the powdered sugar in a fine sieve and sprinkle generously over the beignets.

FRENCH QUARTER BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
• Add milk, sugar, egg, oil, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast. Vigorously beat in flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Divide dough into quarters. Place 1 portion on a heavily floured surface. Roll to about 1/8-inch thickness using a well floured rolling pin. Cut into 2-inch squares. Repeat with remaining 3 portions.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C). Fry beignets, a few at a time, until they puff and rise to the top, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and brown the other side, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.