Patsys Sweet Potato Beignets Recipes

SWEET POTATO BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Combine the sweet potato, squash, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and mash with a fork. Discard the cinnamon sticks; let the liquid cool until just warm.
• Transfer 1/4 cup of the warm cooking liquid to a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside until foamy, about 8 minutes. Stir the salt, yeast mixture and another 1/2 cup cooking liquid into the potato mixture. Add the flour and knead by hand until combined (the dough will be sticky). Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the syrup: Bring the sugar, molasses, the remaining cinnamon stick and 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds, the orange zest, lemon juice and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest. Let the syrup cool slightly.
• Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360 degrees F. Fry heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough, turning once or twice, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes; drain on paper towels. Drizzle with the syrup.

RICOTTA SWEET POTATO BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Make the Beignets: combine all the ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until smooth. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls (the size of a walnut) and set aside on a plate. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Just before serving, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep, heavy pot fitted with a deep-frying thermometer to 365 degrees F. Working in batches, to avoid crowding the pot, fry the balls until golden brown all over, moving them around in the oil to make sure they cook and brown evenly. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels or a brown paper bag. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. (Make sure to let the oil return to 365 degrees F between batches.)

SWEET POTATO BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Drain and mash canned sweet potato (or boil and mash whole potato).
• Mix sweet potato with almond milk, margarine, egg substitute and vanilla until smooth.
• In a separate bowl mix flour with sugar, salt and baking powder. Add flour mixture to sweet potatoes and mix.
• In a heavy pot heat oil to 365 degrees F. Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil and fry beignets until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Serve dusted with powdered sugar. Can serve alone or on a bed of cream sauce of your choice.