French Beignets: The irresistible stars of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a time when sweet snacks take centre stage on our tables, and among them, the true hit is the puffy dough pillows known as beignets. Fluffy, golden, and dusted with icing sugar, these French delicacies surprise with their simplicity and unique taste.
French beignets, also known as puffy dough pillows, are among the most beloved carnival treats worldwide. Their popularity is owed to their fluffy texture, delicate interior, and golden, crispy crust.
Beignets - a Mardi Gras treat straight from France
This exceptional dessert originates from France, where it has been winning the hearts of sweet snack enthusiasts for centuries. In the United States, beignets have become especially popular in New Orleans, where they are served with a generous portion of icing sugar.
Why do beignets reign supreme on tables during Mardi Gras? Their preparation is uncomplicated, and the result is always delightful. They are the perfect choice for carnival gatherings – small, handy, and incredibly tasty. These puffy dough pillows offer an excellent alternative to traditional doughnuts, adding a touch of French finesse to any party.
Recipe for puffy dough pillows
Making puffy dough pillows, or French beignets, is simpler than it might seem. This recipe will help you craft fluffy, golden treats that are perfect as sweet carnival snacks. Here’s a step-by-step on how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of plain flour,
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast (or 25 grams fresh yeast),
- 240 millilitres warm milk,
- 50 grams sugar,
- 60 grams butter (melted),
- 2 eggs,
- a pinch of salt,
- oil for frying,
- icing 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.
- Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Add the active yeast and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Dough rising: Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Shaping the pillows: Roll out the risen dough to about 1 centimetre thick, then cut into small squares or rectangles.
- Frying: In a deep pot, heat oil to about 180°C. Fry the dough pieces until golden on both sides. Remove to a paper towel to get rid of excess oil.
- Decoration: Generously dust the finished beignets with icing sugar.
Serve warm, preferably with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa. These puffy dough pillows will surely become a hit on your Mardi Gras table, bringing a touch of French elegance to the traditional festivities.
