How to make Beignets (French Doughnuts)
Beignets are a French treat, a sweet pastry traditionally enjoyed in the weeks leading up to the fasting period of Lent. Beignet recipes vary from region to region and from chef to chef, made from a leavened dough or a quick pastry concoction. The rum included in this recipe is for flavor only; if you wish, you can use more or less than indicated by the ingredients or substitute the rum with 1 tbsp. orange water. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 3 ½ tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp rum
- Oil
- Paper towels
- Powdered sugar
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Knife
- Saucepan or skillet
- Metal slotted spoon
Instructions
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1
Place 2 cups of flour into the mixing bowl. Hollow out a small well in the center.
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2
Place the baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, eggs and 2 tablespoons of the rum into the well.
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3
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon. Combine the flour into the dough bit by bit until it becomes a smooth dough. Use the remaining rum for moisture if the dough is too dry.
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4
Spread additional flour on a clean work surface. Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic; the dough should spring back after you make an impression in it with your hand.
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5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for two to three hours.
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6
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife.
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7
Pour oil approximately 1 inch deep into a saucepan or skillet. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slowly place the beignets in the hot oil. Turn the beignets with a metal slotted spoon once or twice. Continue to cook for a couple of minutes, until the beignets are golden brown on both sides and puffed up in shape.
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8
Remove beignets from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
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9
Place the drained beignets on a clean plate and douse them generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut the beignet dough into strips and twist it before frying for a variation on this recipe.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
