Drop Beignets

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (Separated; separate while cold, then let the whites warm to room temperature)
• 1.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.125 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup sugar (Granulated sugar)
• 0.25 cup water
• 1 tbsp butter (Melted)
• 2 tsp lemon zest (Grated)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp brandy (Optional)
• oil (For deep-fat frying; use enough to fry the beignets in a skillet)
• confectioners’ sugar (For dusting)

Steps

1. 1

   Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a small bowl and reserving the yolks. Let the egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, water, melted butter, grated lemon zest, vanilla, and optional brandy.

4. 4

   Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.

5. 5

   Beat the room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. The whites should be loose and droop from a spatula rather than hold a firm shape.

6. 6

   Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until incorporated, taking care not to deflate them.

7. 7

   In a cast-iron or electric skillet, heat the frying oil to 375°F.

8. 8

   Drop the batter by the teaspoonful, a few at a time, into the hot oil. If the batter sticks to the spoon, spray the spoon with cooking spray before scooping.

9. 9

   Fry the beignets until golden brown, about 1 minute and 30 seconds on each side.

10. 10

    Transfer the fried beignets to paper towels to drain excess oil.

11. 11

    Dust the warm beignets with confectioners’ sugar and serve.

Notes

The source also suggests that a little additional flour can be added if the batter is too runny or sticky. For larger beignets, use 1 tablespoon of batter instead of 1 teaspoon, fry fewer at a time, and cook them somewhat longer. They may also be served with cinnamon sugar, jam, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or lemon curd.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• sweet breakfast
• brunch
• fried
• vegetarian
• yeast-free
• American
• Mardi Gras