Try this genuine recipe for Costas French Market doughnuts (beignets). These tender pillow-like doughnuts taste like those at New Orleans' Cafe du Monde.
Preparation Time
30 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Time
60 mins
Calories
503 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Heat oil in a deep, wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Step 2
Pour ½ cup room temperature water into a small bowl; sprinkle yeast over water and let stand to dissolve, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Combine white sugar, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; pour 1 cup boiling water over shortening mixture, then stir in evaporated milk. Cool mixture until lukewarm, then add yeast mixture and beaten eggs.
Step 4
Slowly mix in flour until dough forms a ball. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 5
Roll out dough, working with a small portion (a little larger than a baseball) at a time, until ⅛-inch thick. Cut dough into strips 2- to 3-inches wide, then cut at an angle in the opposite direction, making diamond shapes.
Step 6
Lower dough diamonds carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until puffed and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a rack set on paper towels to drain; cool until you can handle them.
Step 7
Place beignets in a clean paper bag with confectioners' sugar; shake gently until covered generously. Or use a sifter to dust beignets with confectioners' sugar.