Beignets(Kind Of Like Elephant Ears)
Delicious, fluffy beignets with crispy exteriors and sweet powdered sugar topping, perfect for breakfast or a special treat, appealing to those who love fried pastries with a soft interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over sugar, salt, and vegetable shortening, then add the heavy cream. Let the mixture stand until warm (not hot).
- Separately, sprinkle dry yeast over warm water in a bowl. Let stand until dissolved.
- Add the yeast mixture to the shortening mixture and mix well.
- Add 2 cups of flour and beaten eggs; beat until well combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough is soft and not sticky.
- Place dough on a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
- Heat vegetable oil to 360°F in a large skillet or pot.
- Fry the dough squares until crispy and golden brown on all sides.
- Drain the fried beignets on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the oil temperature is correct at 360°F before frying. You can substitute vegetable shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a sweeter dough, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps achieve that crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beignets warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar, as a delightful breakfast treat or dessert. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a sweet dipping sauce, such as chocolate or caramel. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beignets(Kind Of Like Elephant Ears) contains roughly 378 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Once mixed, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and frying. This can help develop flavors and make the process more convenient.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and melted butter. However, the texture and richness may vary. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can also work well.
Can I freeze beignets?
Yes, beignets can be frozen! After frying, cool them completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. To enjoy, reheat in the oven or fry them again until crispy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).