What Is a Beignet?
The word "beignet" is a French term for fritter or more commonly, a doughnut. A beignet as we know it in the United States is a fried dough pastry that is covered with powdered sugar. This delicious treat is famously served in Louisiana, in cities such as New Orleans. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origins
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The beignet is thought to have originated from the early Islamic world via Spain. According to food historian Cathy Kaufman, there is evidence supporting an Andalusian introduction of beignets into Mediterranean France. In the late Middle Ages, deep-fried balls of airy choux paste were known as "Spanish beignets." From the eighth to the 15th century, Andalusia was under Islamic rule, during which some of that food and culture were brought to Spain and then introduced into France.
New Orleans
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The 1902 "Picayune Creole Cook Book," published by The Picayune, a leading New Orleans newspaper, surmises that French colonists brought the recipe and tradition of making beignets with them to Louisiana during the 18th century.
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Cafe du Monde
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The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Its specialty was and is serving cafe au lait with a side of beignets, a tradition that began at the end of the Civil War and has lived on ever since.
Other Types
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Though the beignet is traditionally served with a dusting of confectioner's sugar, you can also get them stuffed and fried with fruits, meats, potatoes and in a crawfish dish known as "cajun pistols."
Recipe
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1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying
2 tbsp. powdered sugarSift dry ingredients except powdered sugar together; add well-beaten egg and milk. Batter should be thick. If too thin, add a little more flour. Drop by spoonfuls
into hot oil and fry until light brown. The powdered sugar is sprinkled on the hot
beignets after frying.
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