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Buttermilk and Beer Beignets

Buttermilk and Beer Beignets

Buttermilk and Beer Beignets1

I have this detrimental habit of undercutting my price, or doing work for free, in exchange for a plane ticket and a hotel reservation. Last year I nearly committed to writing an entire menu just for the opportunity to go to Uganda for the weekend. The timing ended up being too last minute and (fortunately or unfortunately, I can’t decide which) I had to back out.

Buttermilk and Beer Beignets4I also have a habit of obsessively bookmarking restaurants across the world if they sound interesting, just in case I’m ever in that area and looking for a place to eat. Most of which will go unvisited, but the few times I’ve found myself within walking distance of bookmarked business, I’m more thrilled than is appropriate.

The majority of my pre-trip plans include figuring out where I want to eat once I get there. Last year in Panama it was ceviche in the fish market. In Bogota it was Abasto. When I finally make it to New Orleans it’ll be beignets at Cafe Du Monde.

This recipe is the closest I’ve come to the real thing. Light, airy, slightly chewy and completely addictive. The beer gives it a beautiful lightness that I haven’t found in the classic recipes that call for evaporated milk.

These were so good, in fact, that they now replaced my beer doughnut holes as my go-to recipe for bring-a-dish gatherings.

Buttermilk and Beer Beignets2

 

Buttermilk and Beer Beignets

Yield: 20-24 Beignets
5 from 2 votes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 envelop 2 ¼ tsp/7g rapid rise yeast
  • ¼ cup 54g sugar
  • 4 cups 480g bread flour
  • ½ tsp 2g baking soda
  • ¾ cup 180g wheat beer
  • 1 ½ cups 360 g buttermilk
  • ½ tsp 3g salt
  • oil for frying canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil
  • Confectioners sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer stir together the yeast, sugar, bread flour, and baking soda.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl combine the beer and butter. Heat until the mixture reaches between 120-130F on a cooking thermometer (mixture may curdle, this is normal).
  • Add the liquid to the dry ingredients, mix on medium speed until all the flour has been moistened.
  • Add the salt, turn the mixer on high and beat until the dough forms a soft sticky ball that gathers around the blade, about 8 minutes.
  • The dough will be very soft and loose, but if it’s too loose to hold together add a few pinches of flour.
  • Transfer to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Loosely cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm room until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Add dough to a well-floured surface, dust with flour. Pat into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. Avoid using a rolling pin in order to preserve the air bubbles in the dough.
  • Add 3 to 4 inches of oil to a pot over medium-high heat. Clip a cooking thermometer onto the side making sure the tip doesn’t hit the bottom of the pot. Heat oil to 350F to 375F, adjust heat to stay in that temperate range.
  • Using a bench knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares. A few at a time (don’t crowd the pot) fry the beignets on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove and allow to drain on a stack of paper towels or a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Adapted from Epicurious

 

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Comments


Katrina February 19, 2016 um 6:13 am

These are seriously stunning! I love the flavour!

Reply

Sandy Stevenson February 19, 2016 um 6:45 am

I had my first taste of heaven (beignets) at the original Cafe Du Monde, a truly memorable experience. Headed to New Orleans next week on business and will partake with a heavenly visit to the Cafe again. Though, I must state my visits to the newer larger Cafe pales to that original experience.
Upon my return I am now looking forward to using your version to recreate heaven at home….thank you!

Reply

Jackie February 19, 2016 um 10:17 am

I’m sure. It’s been around since the 1880’s so I’m sure it’s changed a bit over the years! I have places that I loved before they became bit tourist hits, and they just aren’t the same anymore. But I do want to pay a visit soon, even if it’s a bit larger than it used to be 🙂

Reply

Elida February 19, 2016 um 9:10 am

Don’t usually make fried dough food, but this sounds, and looks FABULOUS.! I am going to make them tomorrow, my mouth is salivating….

Reply

Nathalie February 19, 2016 um 4:40 pm

Wow! so so yummy and so so fluffy as well.
I have attempted normal doughnut for my love since he is a big fan of them. Somehow they never reached the pastry standard.
Thank you for your recipe. Will be saving it and trying it out next time 🙂

http://potsofsmiles.blogspot.co.uk/
xxxx

Reply

Elida February 29, 2016 um 7:13 am

Dear Jackie,
I did make the beignets as I mentioned in my previous comment and they were spectacular! There were so many that I shared what four of us gluttons didn’t eat with our local cafe in Panicale – all gone within minutes. Everyone loved them. Thank you!

Reply

Jackie February 29, 2016 um 9:30 am

That’s so great! Thank you so much 🙂

Reply

ann marie December 29, 2020 um 3:28 am

5 stars
Hello ! I am so excited to try this recipe. What would be a good substitute for the Wheat beer . Our family is not a fan of wheat beers …any other option ?
thank you

Reply

Jackie December 29, 2020 um 10:20 am

Anything that isn’t hoppy! A pilsner, kolsch, or pale lager would work well also.

Reply

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