Beignets are French doughnuts that are really easy and straightforward to make. Once you have tasted a fresh, warm beignet it will become your favourite in-between treat!
190ml warm water
62ml + 62ml sugar
10g instant yeast
1 egg
125ml milk
10ml vanilla
4 X 250ml flour
5ml salt
45ml butter, very soft
vegetable oil for frying
icing sugar to dust
Pour the warm water into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
Add 62ml sugar and sprinkle the yeast on the water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Whisk the egg, milk, vanilla and remaining 62ml sugar together in a small mixing bowl and add it to the yeast mixture.
Turn the mixer to a slow speed and gradually add the flour and salt.
Add the butter and incorporate.
Increase the speed to medium and mix/knead for about 4 minutes, until the dough comes together in a ball.
Place the dough, which will be very soft, in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Pour about 5cm of oil into a saucepan and place on the heat. The ideal temperature is 179 – 180℃.
Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll the dough to a thickness of about 1,5cm.
Cut into 5cm X 5cm squares and fry until golden.
Dust the warm beignets with icing sugar.
Serve with another dusting of icing sugar and a cup of coffee.
My Whisk and I 