Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Continue to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Beignets: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2×2 inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot. Heat the oil to 360°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Fry the Beignets: Fry the beignets in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot, for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Dust the freshly fried beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Cooling: Allow the beignets to cool slightly on a wire rack if not served immediately. This helps to maintain their crispness.
Notes
Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the beignets will burn before the inside is cooked; if it’s too cool, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Proofing Spot: For an ideal rising environment, place your dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water placed on the bottom rack. This creates a warm, moist atmosphere that helps the dough rise.
Serving Suggestion: Beignets are best served hot. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an oven at 300°F for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
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