Cheese Beignets Recipe

Vegetarian Times: Fast and Easy | John Wiley & Sons, 2008

Beignets are commonly referred to as the “Southerner’s doughnut.” In this family recipe, the dough should be stiff — add just enough water so that you can press the dough flat. To make cutting the stiff dough easier, use a floured pizza cutter.–Editors of Vegetarian Times

Hands-On Time: | Total Time: | Serves 8

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Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely minced fresh sage
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce, to your taste
1/2 cup grated hard cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino
Vegetable oil, for frying
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Cayenne or smoked paprika, for dusting

Directions

1. Stir together the flour, sage, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Add 3/4 cup water, a little at a time, combining well until the dough is thick. Fold in the cheese.
3. Press the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle on a well-floured work surface. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
4. Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet to the depth of 1/2 an inch, and heat over medium heat until a small piece of dough sizzles gently in the oil. (The dough should not brown immediately.)
5. Place the beignet squares in the oil, taking care not to overcrowd (you may need to fry in batches). Fry 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and done throughout. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle immediately with the coarse salt. Right before serving, dust with the cayenne.