Are you on a keto diet but can’t resist the temptation of indulging in delicious treats? Look no further, because we have the perfect solution for you – keto beignets! These low-carb versions of the classic New Orleans dessert will satisfy your cravings without sabotaging your diet.
In this ultimate guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about keto beignets – from their mouthwatering taste to the step-by-step recipe. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the flavors of the Big Easy with the principles of the ketogenic lifestyle.
The Origins of Beignets
Before we dive into the world of keto beignets, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this beloved dessert. Beignets, pronounced ben-YAYS, are the official state doughnuts of Louisiana. French settlers introduced beignets to New Orleans in the 18th century, and they quickly became a staple in the city’s culinary scene. These square pieces of yeast bread dough are fried to perfection, resulting in a golden brown exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Traditionally, beignets are generously sprinkled with powdered sugar, making them a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
The Keto Twist: Low-Carb Beignets
While traditional beignets are made with white flour and are high in carbs, we have a keto-friendly alternative that will allow you to enjoy this delectable dessert guilt-free. Instead of using regular flour, we will be using Carbquik Baking Mix, a low-carb substitute that has less than 1g net carb per serving. Carbquik works its magic on wheat, making it a suitable option for those following a ketogenic diet. With this low-carb twist, you can relish the flavors of New Orleans without compromising your health goals.
The Keto Beignets Recipe
Now, let’s get to the most exciting part – the keto beignets recipe itself! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of mouthwatering low-carb beignets.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar*
- 1 envelope dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup Swerve or equivalent granulated sweetener
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 – 4 ½ cups Carbquik Baking Mix
- 2 tablespoons Spectrum or equivalent shortening
- Vegetable or coconut oil**
- ½ cup Confectioner’s Swerve or equivalent powdered sweetener
*Note: The sugar used in the recipe will be converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide during the fermentation process, canceling out its carbohydrates. Therefore, the sugar has been excluded from the nutritional information.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the beaten egg, granulated sweetener, and heavy cream.
- Add the egg mixture to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add 2 cups of Carbquik Baking Mix to the mixture and stir until incorporated. Add the shortening and mix well.
- Continue adding Carbquik Baking Mix, about 2 cups at a time, until a dough forms. The dough should be kneadable, so add more Carbquik as needed.
- Sprinkle some Carbquik onto a clean surface and knead the dough until it becomes smooth, approximately 1 minute.
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough in it. Flip the dough to coat both sides with grease. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour. Please note that the dough will only rise slightly.
- Heat vegetable or coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness between ⅛ and ¼ inch. Cut the dough into 2-inch by 2-inch squares.
- Working in batches of 4, carefully add the squares of dough to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. If the beignets do not immediately float, the oil is not hot enough. Ensure that the beignets are cooked all the way through by opening one and checking its doneness. Remove the cooked beignets from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Sprinkle the cooked beignets with powdered sweetener and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these keto beignets contains approximately 136 calories, 11g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, 11g of fiber, and 5g of protein. These low-carb treats are a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed while following a ketogenic diet.
Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon into the dough mixture.
- Get creative with your toppings by using sugar-free chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Experiment with different shapes for your beignets. Instead of squares, you can make them round or even heart-shaped!
