Vegetable Cheese Beignets
Ingredients
For the beignets:
- 1 cup of raw carrots, grated
- 1 cup of parsnips, grated
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley (yellow, green, and russet)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dried coriander (optional)
For frying:
- Vegetable oil
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Grate the carrots and parsnips. Place the grated vegetables on a towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the beignets are crispy and not soggy. Finely chop the onions and parsley.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, parsnips, onions, and shredded cheese. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, baking powder, cornmeal, and almond flour. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then whisk in the milk. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the vegetable and cheese mixture, then add the egg and milk mixture. Stir until well combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk.
Step 3: Fry the Beignets
Heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan to form small patties. Fry the beignets in batches, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil by placing the cooked beignets on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the vegetable cheese beignets warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. These beignets can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy mayonnaise.
Tips for Perfect Beignets
Drain the vegetables:
Ensure all excess moisture is removed from the grated carrots and other vegetables to keep the beignets crispy.
Cheese choice:
Feel free to use any cheese you like, but a combination of mozzarella and cheddar works particularly well.
Frying temperature:
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the beignets to avoid them becoming greasy from absorbing too much oil.
Summary
Vegetable cheese beignets are a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare at home. They are perfect for satisfying savory cravings and incorporating more vegetables into your diet. Next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer, give this recipe a try.
Enjoy!