How to Make Beignets

Many people have never even heard of a beignet, but here in Louisiana they are actually quite popular. Beignets can be served any time of the day, as a complete meal or even as a snack. Beignets are a extremely popular items in the city of New Orleans, however there, you will here locals simply refer to them as doughnuts. Beignets in New Orleans are usually served with the other local favorite, Cafe au Lait, or coffee. The Cafe Du Monde, located in the French Market of New Orleans, is world famous for it's delicious beignets and cafe au lait.

Beignets have been a favorite in Louisiana for over two hundred years! It is believed this simple recipe was brought here from the Ursuline Nuns when they traveled here from France in 1727. For a more in depth history of beignets in New Orleans, you can visit the Crescent City Beignets website.

Some companies do make a simple mix for beignets, similar to instant pancake mix, however it can be very difficult to find outside of Louisiana. Fortunately, making homemade beignets is extremely simple and requires relatively few ingredients. Most ingredients your probably already have on hand!

Homemade Beignets

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of butter or margarine

1 teaspoon of sugar

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of all-purpose flour

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

salad or cooking oil

confectioners sugar

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat your water, butter, sugar and salt until your butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.

2. Remove pan from heat and add flour. Vigorously stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms into a ball.

3. Add your eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add vanilla extract and mix it into the batter.

4. In another sauce pan or frying pan, heat about 1 and 1/2 inches of salad or cooking oil to about 375 degrees (F). You can also use a deep fryer if you prefer.

5. Once the oil is hot enough, drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into the hot oil and fry the beignets a few at a time until they are golden brown in color. Drain on paper towels, keeping them warm until ready to serve.

6. Top with confectioners sugar.

Traditional beignets are served with confectioners sugar, however you can add any topping that you would like to beignets. Some people enjoy topping them with pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, melted caramel or even whipped cream. Whatever topping you choose to use, beignets will more than likely become a permanent fixture on your menu!