French Beignets: The carnival treat taking over the world
Carnival is a time when sweet snacks dominate our tables, and among them, a true favourite are the puffy doughnuts known as Beignets. Fluffy, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar, these French specialties delight with their simplicity and unique taste.
French Beignets, also known as puffy doughnuts, are among the most cherished carnival treats worldwide. Their popularity stems from their fluffy texture, delicate interior, and golden, crispy crust.
Beignets - a carnival delicacy straight from France
This delightful dessert hails from France, where it has been captivating sweet snack enthusiasts for centuries. In the United States, Beignets have gained particular fame in New Orleans, where they are served with a generous helping of powdered sugar.
What makes Beignets so popular during carnival? Their preparation is straightforward, yet the result is always impressive. They are the perfect fit for carnival gatherings – small, convenient, and incredibly tasty. These puffy doughnuts offer an excellent alternative to traditional doughnuts, adding a touch of French elegance to any party.
Recipe for puffy doughnuts
Preparing puffy doughnuts, or French Beignets, is easier than it might appear. This recipe will guide you in creating fluffy, golden treats that are perfect sweet snacks for carnival. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make them:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of dry yeast (or about 1 oz of fresh yeast)
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- oil for frying
- powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation:
- Activating the yeast: Mix the yeast with warm milk and sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes active.
- Making the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Add the activated yeast and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Dough rising: Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a cloth, and leave it in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
- Forming the doughnuts: Roll out the risen dough to a thickness of about 0.5 inches, then cut it into small squares or rectangles.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep pot to about 355°F. Fry the dough pieces until golden on both sides. Remove to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Decoration: Generously dust the finished Beignets with powdered sugar.
Serve warm, ideally with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa. These puffy doughnuts are sure to become a hit at your carnival table, adding a touch of French chic to your celebrations.
