Beignets

United States

About Beignets

Beignets are square pillows of yeast-raised dough, deep-fried until puffed and golden and buried under a pile of powdered sugar. They are one of New Orleans' most famous foods and the official state doughnut of Louisiana.

The word beignet is French for fritter. French settlers brought fried dough treats to Louisiana in the 18th century, and the Acadians who arrived from Canada added their own traditions. Over time, the square, hole-less New Orleans style developed.

Café du Monde in the French Quarter has served them since 1862, three to an order, with café au lait made from coffee and chicory. Beignets are best eaten hot, and it is almost impossible to eat one without getting covered in sugar.

Ingredients

• flour
• yeast
• sugar
• milk
• eggs
• oil
• powdered sugar