Tropical Fruit Beignets Recipes

BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Put the milk, yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix on low to combine. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Add the butter, salt, egg and remaining granulated sugar to the bowl and mix on low speed to combine. Add the flour in 1/2-cup increments, mixing on low speed just until the dough becomes sticky and pliable, about 2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put somewhere warm to rise, such as inside an unlit oven, until the dough is roughly doubled in size, about 2 hours. (You can also refrigerate the covered dough overnight.)
• Lightly flour a large work surface. Punch down the dough with your fist to remove air, then place the dough on the work surface. Roll the dough into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick. Make 6 cuts 2 inches apart along the 12-inch side and 7 cuts 2 inches apart along the 14-inch side using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for a total of forty-two 2-inch squares. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes. (If you refrigerated the dough, let the dough rest at least 1 hour.)
• Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large Dutch oven or electric fryer. Put the confectioners' sugar in a large paper grocery bag or on a large baking sheet. Fry 6 to 8 beignets at a time, flipping them every 30 seconds or so, until both sides are golden brown, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch. If using the paper bag, transfer the beignets to the bag and shake to coat well with the sugar. If using a baking sheet, transfer the beignets to the sheet and, using tongs, toss to coat well with the sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve immediately.

TROPICAL FRUIT BEIGNET WITH MANGO COULIS AND COCONUT ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the fryer. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together. Beat in the egg and milk, adjusting the amount of milk to make a thick batter. Fold in the small diced fruit. Refrigerate for 1 hour. In a saucepot, combine the chopped mango, lemon juice, water and sugar together. Bring the mixture up to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until the fruit is very tender. Pour the mixture into a food processor and puree until smooth. Remove and allow to chill for 30 minutes. In the hot grease, drop a heaping tablespoon of the beignet. Fry 5 to 6 at a time and stir constantly for even browning. Fry the beignets for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the fryer and drain on a paper-lined plate. Powder the beignets with powdered sugar. Spoon the coulis in the center of the plate. Place the quenelle of ice cream in the center of the coulis. Arrange the beignets around the ice cream. Garnish with powdered sugar and chiffonade of mint.