**Beignets de Carnaval: A Sweet Treat for Mardi Gras and Beyond**
Beignets de Carnaval, also known as French doughnuts, are a traditional pastry that holds a special place in French cuisine. These delectable treats are synonymous with Mardi Gras festivities, but their popularity extends far beyond this annual celebration. Beignets are characterized by their light and airy texture, golden-brown exterior, and irresistible dusting of powdered sugar. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the realm of beignets, presenting a collection of recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic beignets to innovative variations, let's embark on a delightful exploration of this iconic French pastry.
HAITIAN BEIGNETS (BEIGNETS DE CARNAVAL)
These Beignets remind me of Carnaval (Mardi-Gras) and good times. In Haiti during the Carnaval and Mardi-Gras, families, relatives and friends gather together to enjoy the festivities and this delectable casual desert made with bananas.
Provided by Peggy J Shabazz
Categories Other Desserts
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Mix flour with baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside
- 2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas with milk and sugar until smooth. Combine with flour mixture and stir until smooth.
- 3. Heat oil in a medium pan over medium High heat setting. Drop the batter by tablespoons in hot oil. Do not overload. Fry until golden, about 1 minute for each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from pan. Squeeze the oil out by gently pressing them on the slotted spoon with the back of a tablespoon.
- 4. Drain on paper towels.
BEIGNETS DE CARNAVAL
Steps:
- Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook. Stir in the flour, eggs, salt, granulated sugar, and the butter or margarine, and knead until you have the consistency of a smooth dough. Turn it out, clean and grease the bowl, and put dough back in. Allow dough to rest, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in volume. Punch down, and knead again.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into roughly equal 2-inch triangles or rectangles. Allow to rise for 45 minutes.
- Heat about 2 inches of the oil to 375 degrees in a deep pan or a wok. Lower three or four pieces of the dough at a time into the hot oil, and fry until they are golden on both sides. Extract them with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips:
- Use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, as it requires a longer rising time, resulting in a fluffier beignet.
- Warm the milk slightly before adding the yeast. This helps to activate the yeast and ensure proper rising.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. This will develop the gluten in the dough and make it easier to work with.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to work and produce carbon dioxide, which will create air pockets in the dough.
- When frying the beignets, use a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil. The oil should be at least 3 inches deep.
- Fry the beignets in batches, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides. This will take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain the beignets on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
Conclusion:
Beignets de carnaval are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fruit compotes. Whether you are making them for a Mardi Gras celebration or just for a special occasion, beignets de carnaval are sure to be a hit.
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