In the heart of New Orleans, where the aroma of chicory coffee mingles with the sweet scent of powdered sugar, lies a culinary treasure that embodies the city's vibrant spirit: the New Orleans-style beignet. These delectable square-shaped pastries, pronounced "ben-yay," hold a special place in the city's culinary tapestry, having been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for generations. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, beignets are traditionally served hot and dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar, creating an irresistible symphony of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a sweet ending to a meal, beignets are a quintessential New Orleans experience that should not be missed.
This article presents a collection of carefully crafted recipes that capture the essence of this iconic dish. From the classic New Orleans-style beignet recipe, which includes both traditional and simplified versions, to unique variations that incorporate different flavors and fillings, this compilation offers a comprehensive guide to creating this beloved pastry at home. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure beignet-making success. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of New Orleans, where the sweet magic of beignets awaits.
NEW ORLEANS BEIGNETS
These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans' traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. -Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 4 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, oil, sugar, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Punch down dough. Turn onto a floured surface; roll into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Cut into 2-in. squares. , In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch oil to 375°. Fry squares, in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Roll warm beignets in confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 146mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
NEW ORLEANS-STYLE BEIGNETS
Now you can have New Orleans-Style Beignets without leaving home!
Provided by Ashley Manila
Categories Dessert
Time 2h45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium-size bowl, add the warm water, sugar, and yeast and whisk well to combine. Sit aside for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has bubbled up and become foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and evaporated milk. Beat in 3 and 1/2 cups of the flour until smooth. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly pour in the yeast mixture (careful here - this mixture can splash up if added to quickly!); beat until smooth. Add in the butter and beat until incorporated. Finally, beat in the remaining 3 and 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Beat until dough is smooth and cohesive; about 2 minutes. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with three layers of paper towels, set aside.
- In a large enameled cast-iron pan, heat 4-inches of oil to 360 degrees (F). Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 2 and 1/2-inch squares.
- In batches, fry the dough until they puff up and are golden brown in color, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beignets to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve at once!
NEW ORLEANS STYLE BEIGNET RECIPE
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
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
NEW ORLEANS BEIGNETS
This recipe was posted in response to a recipe request. It is from the Cookin' New Orleans Style cookbook. The prep and cook times are estimates. They are cooked when brown on both sides.
Provided by PanNan
Categories Breads
Time 19m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Drop 1/2 cup butter and a pinch of salt into a pan containing 1 cup of hot water.
- Bring to a boil and add 1 cup of sifted flour.
- Stir and cook thoroughly until it comes together and pulls away from the pan.
- Turn off heat and add 4 eggs, beating after each egg you put in.
- Gently flatten the dough and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares (cutting very gently and quickly).
- Drop squares into 375 degree deep fat.
- As the beignets brown, they will turn over by themselves.
- Lay out some heavy brown paper and drain the beignets well on this paper as you remove them from the fat.
- Immediately sprinkle with a generous amount of powdered sugar and serve right away while still hot.
- Great with cafe au lait.
- Be sure to set a castor of powdered sugar on the table so more can be added if needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 390.7, Fat 28.3, SaturatedFat 16.2, Cholesterol 272.5, Sodium 274, Carbohydrate 24.2, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 0.5, Protein 9.8
Tips:
- Use fresh or active dry yeast: Fresh yeast is preferred, but active dry yeast can also be used. Make sure the yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date and following the instructions on the package.
- Proof the yeast before using: This will help to ensure that the yeast is active and will produce a light and airy beignet.
- Use a warm liquid for the yeast: The liquid should be between 105°F and 115°F. This will help to activate the yeast and produce a light and airy beignet.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic: This will help to develop the gluten in the dough and produce a chewy beignet.
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size: This will help to ensure that the beignets are light and airy.
- Fry the beignets in hot oil: The oil should be between 350°F and 375°F. This will help to create a crispy exterior and a light and airy interior.
- Drain the beignets on paper towels: This will help to remove excess oil and make the beignets less greasy.
Conclusion:
Beignets are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Follow these tips to make sure your beignets turn out perfect every time.
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