NEW ORLEANS STYLE BEIGNET RECIPE

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New Orleans Style Beignet Recipe image

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

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 envelope)
3/4 cup water (110 degrees F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3 1/2-3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 cup shortening
vegetable oil (for frying)
powdered sugar (in a shaker or sifter)

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

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