Beignet - Definition and Overview

A beignet is a pastry made from fried dough and sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. This variety is similar to zeppole. In the United States they are often found in, and typically associated with, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana and the restaurant Café du Monde. Beignets are also found in France, where they are sometimes filled with fruit.

One possible method of making a beignet is to make a dough from 200 grams of fine flour, with a bit of water, two egg yolks, 10 grams of melted butter and a dash of salt. Before mixing with the (optional) chosen fruit(s), the egg whites (beaten to a foam) are incorporated. The whole is then fried.

In certain parts of France a beignet can incorporate meats.