Description

Ah, beignets de yaourt! These delightful little puffs are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nod to the joyful French pastry tradition. Originating from France, beignets have a rich history that dates back to ancient times when they were first made in diverse shapes and flavors—each region adding its own twist. Today, the beignets de yaourt are celebrated for their light, airy texture, thanks to the incorporation of yogurt, which infuses them with a delicate flavor and tender crumb.

Imagine biting into these golden, crispy morsels, with their lightly sweetened dough and hints of citrus dancing in your mouth. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with coffee or tea. Plus, they hold a special place in our hearts as a recipe that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and celebrations. The great news is that they are incredibly simple to prepare, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delightful world of beignets de yaourt!

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 150 g of sugar
• 6 g of salt (approximately 2 pinches)
• 5 eggs
• 500 g of all-purpose flour
• 100 g of unsalted butter (about 2 heaping tablespoons)
• 150 ml of plain yogurt (1 standard pot of yogurt)
• 8 g of baking powder (about 1 packet)
• Zest of one lime
• 10 g of vanilla sugar (1 packet)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation Method

Start by preparing your workspace. Gather all of your ingredients and make sure to have a large mixing bowl ready for a straightforward cooking experience. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, but a little organization makes everything run even smoother.

In a large bowl, combine the salt, sugar, and eggs. Using a whisk, mix these ingredients vigorously until you achieve a creamy texture. This step is essential as it helps to aerate the eggs, giving your beignets an airy quality.

Now, gradually add in half of the all-purpose flour to this mixture. Stir gently, incorporating the flour progressively until it's well combined. You want to maintain that luscious texture, so avoid overmixing.

Next, it’s time to incorporate the unsalted butter. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for easier blending. Slice it into smaller pieces and add it to your batter. Using a spatula or your mixer, combine the butter thoroughly into the mixture until there are no lumps remaining. This is where the creamy nature of the dough begins to shine through.

Once the butter is fully mixed in, add the plain yogurt into the bowl. Yogurt is the secret ingredient that makes these beignets exceptionally moist. Stir until it is well incorporated into the batter—don’t rush this step; you want everything to harmonize beautifully.

With the yogurt now mixed in, it’s time to add the remaining flour, which has been mixed with the baking powder. Slowly sprinkle this into the bowl as you stir to construct a thick batter. You’ll notice that the mixture will start to feel heavier, and that’s just perfect!

An incredible touch to these beignets is the addition of vanilla sugar and lime zest. These will brighten the flavor profile significantly. Add both the vanilla sugar and lime zest to the batter, ensuring that you use a whisk to combine these flavors evenly. The slight tartness of the lime will balance the sweetness beautifully, creating a delightful explosion of flavor in each bite.

At this point, your dough should be cohesive but still thick enough to hold its shape. It may seem a little more robust than typical batter, but that’s what gives the beignets their signature consistency.

Now comes the moment of truth: frying! Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil so that the beignets can float freely while cooking. To test when the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and dances, then it’s time to fry!

Using either your hands or a spoon, form small balls of dough. You can shape them by pinching off chunks with your fingers or opt for a cookie scoop for uniformity. The size is up to you, but golf ball-sized pieces work wonderfully.

Carefully place the formed dough balls into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; giving them space ensures even cooking and prevents temperature drops. Fry them until they turn golden brown, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. You can flip them halfway through to ensure they are beautifully golden on all sides.

Once they are beautifully golden and puffed up, remove the beignets from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help eliminate any excess oil.

Consider rolling them in a mixture of sugar and additional vanilla sugar for that sweet finishing touch.

Tips and Conclusion

For an exciting twist, feel free to incorporate flavors into your beignets! Some ideas include adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture, or even some chocolate chips or small pieces of fruit for added sweetness and texture.

Additionally, if you have leftovers (though they're hard to resist), store your beignets in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Alternatively, you could freeze them for a later treat. Simply let them cool fully, then place in a freezer bag. When you’re craving something sweet, pop them into the oven to warm up, and they’ll taste just as delightful.
Making beignets de yaourt is not just about creating a delicious treat; it's an invitation to connect with culinary traditions that have stood the test of time. The scent of frying dough cascading through your kitchen is enough to leave anyone salivating. They are perfect for sharing with friends over coffee, enjoyed quietly at breakfast, or served at festive occasions.

Now that you’ve experienced the magic of beignets de yaourt, why not explore other fabulous recipes on our site? From comforting pastries to exquisite desserts, there's a whole world waiting for you to discover and enjoy. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family, inspiring them to create their own delightful beignets. Happy cooking, and most importantly, happy eating!