Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with the delightful and iconic New Orleans Beignets, a beloved part of the city’s breakfast tradition. These sweet French doughnuts, square instead of round and without a hole in the middle, offer a unique twist on the classic doughnut. Beth Dawson from Jackson, Louisiana, shares her recipe for these irresistible treats that will surely bring a taste of the Big Easy to your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 4½ cups self-rising flour
- Oil for deep-fat frying
- Confectioners’ sugar
PREPARATIONS:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add the milk, oil, sugar, and egg, followed by 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to create a soft dough (note that the dough will be sticky). Avoid kneading the dough. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a 16-in. x 12-in. rectangle and cut it into 2-in. squares.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer. Fry the squares a few at a time until they turn golden brown on both sides. Drain the beignets on paper towels and immediately roll them in confectioners’ sugar while they are still warm.
YIELD: 4 dozen beignets
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 35 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For an extra authentic New Orleans experience, enjoy your beignets with a cup of chicory coffee, a popular local beverage.
TIPS:
- To achieve the perfect square shape, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Beignets offer a taste of the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana’s French settlers. These delectable and unique square French doughnuts, without a hole in the middle, have become an integral part of breakfast in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Crafted with love by Beth Dawson from Jackson, Louisiana, this recipe showcases the classic beignet’s simplicity and charm, making it an ideal treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a delightful snack any time of day.
The beignets’ pillowy softness, achieved by the use of self-rising flour, pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness from the evaporated milk and sugar. The delicate yeast flavor adds depth to each bite, making these treats utterly irresistible.
With a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, the warm and golden beignets are ready to enchant your taste buds. The deep-frying process ensures a delightful crunch on the outside, while the inside remains soft and fluffy, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
The beignet’s cultural significance is rooted in the history of Louisiana’s French settlers, who brought their deep-frying pastry recipes to the region. Evolving from fruit-filled fritters to the squares of fried sweet dough we know today, beignets have become an iconic symbol of New Orleans.
Famous establishments like Cafe Du Monde, located on New Orleans’ renowned Jackson Square, have contributed to the beignet’s popularity and fame, attracting locals and tourists alike to indulge in this beloved treat.
When you crave a taste of the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of New Orleans, the New Orleans Beignets will undoubtedly take you on a delicious journey. Simple to make and delightfully sweet, these beignets offer a delightful taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.
