Where Can I Get it? | How Can I Make It?
What is a beignet?
A beignet (pronounced: ben-YAY) is a French-style doughnut made out of choux pastry or yeast dough that looks like a small pillow covered with powdered sugar. Due to their deep-fried, sugary nature; beignets are one of those foods that you may want to limit to special occasions. One of the most appropriate times of the year to enjoy these billowy delights is during Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) because it is synonymous with New Orleans and became the official state doughnut of Louisiana in 1986.
Where can I get it?
The one place everyone needs to get a beignet is at the legendary “Cafe du Monde” in the French Market of New Orleans, which is open 24 hours a day. It’s been around since 1862 and has been featured in many films and TV shows as a regional landmark.
However, if you can’t get to NOLA anytime soon, you might want to check out one of these other places that are also well-known for their beignets…
Chicago, IL: Big Jones
New York, NY (Upper East Side): Infirmary
San Diego, CA: Bud’s Louisiana Cafe
San Francisco, CA: Just For You Cafe
Looking for more places that serve beignets? You can find them on Glutto right here.
How can I make it?
Beignets are quick to make to make and require just a few basic ingredients to get going. For the most authentic New Orleans beignets, we recommend this recipe that you can also save on Glutto… Special Tools (optional, but recommended by Cafe du Monde)
Ingredients
- 1 box Cafe du Monde beignet mix
- 7 fluid ounces water
- cotton seed oil (for frying)
- flour (to cover flat surface)
- powdered sugar (topping for beignets)
Directions – makes 2 dozen
- Combine 2 cups of beignet mix and water; mix with a spoon to create dough
- On a floured surface, flatten/roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 2 1/4 in squares
- Heat 2 inches of oil in skillet to 370°F
- Fry squares of dough (baste both sides) until puffy and golden brown; drain well on paper towel
- Cover generously with powdered sugar and enjoy!
For more tips on how to make the perfect beignets, visit Cafe du Monde’s tips page.
