How to Make Beignets From Scratch

Beignets are deep fried yeast doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. They are a specialty of cooks in New Orleans, Louisiana and are extremely popular at the prestigious Café du Monde. In fact, they are the official state doughnut of Louisiana. The word beignet is French for doughnut, and in France they are often made as savory dishes in addition to sweet. In this recipe for the sweet variety, learn to make beignets from scratch just like the ones you might get in Café du Monde.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm water
• Large mixing bowl
• Envelope active dry yeast
• 2 eggs
• Whisk
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Evaporated milk
• Electric mixer
• All-purpose flour
• Vegetable shortening
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Vegetable oil
• Electric fryer
• Paper towels
• Powdered sugar

1. Add 1 ½ cups of warm water to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle one envelope of active dry yeast over the top of the water and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes.

2. Crack the 2 eggs and beat them in a small bowl, using a whisk. Add the beaten eggs to the water and yeast mixture. Add ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp. salt and 8 ounces of evaporated milk. Blend thoroughly using whisk or an electric mixer.

3. Add 4 cups all-purpose flour to the yeast and sugar mixture. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Add ¼ cup of vegetable shortening and beat until smooth. Gradually blend in 3 more cups all-purpose flour until a smooth, thick dough is achieved.

4. Cover the resulting beignet dough with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours.

5. Roll the beignet dough out onto a floured surface using the rolling pin, to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, approximately 2 to 3 inches in size.

6. Heat the vegetable oil in an electric fryer to a temperature of 360 degrees F. Fry beignets for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are light to golden brown on both sides.

7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle each beignet with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Serve hot.

Tips & Warnings

• The beignet dough will be easier to work with and create fluffier pastries if the dough is left to chill overnight. However, four hours will work if necessary. If your electric fryer does not have a temperature setting, use a food thermometer dipped in the oil to measure the temperature. If an electric fryer is not available, use a large pot and food thermometer to fry the beignets. Do not fill the pot more than half full with oil and do not begin to fry until the food thermometer reads 360 degrees F. Try serving with coffee, cappuccino or espresso for an authentic Café du Monde experience.
• Do not leave an electric fryer unattended for any reason.

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