Vegetable Cheese Beignets

Ingredients

For the Beignets:

• 1 cup raw carrots, grated
• 1 cup parsnips, grated
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley (yellow, green, and Russian)
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon milk
• 1 cup water with baking powder
• 1 cup salt
• ½ cup black pepper
• 1 tablespoon almond powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dried coriander (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by grating the carrots and parsnips. Place the grated vegetables in a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy beignets.

Finely chop the onions and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, parsnips, and chopped onions. Add the grated cheese and mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, baking powder, cornmeal, and almond powder.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the vegetable and cheese mixture, followed by the egg and milk blend. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the batter appears too thick, add a little extra milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Fry the Beignets

Heat approximately ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon to drop dollops of the batter into the pan, gently flattening them to form small patties.

Fry the beignets in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked beignets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

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 paired with your favorite dips, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy mayonnaise.

Tips for Perfect Beignets

• Drain the Vegetables: Ensure that you remove excess moisture from the grated vegetables to maintain the crispiness of the beignets.
• Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar yields excellent flavor and texture.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the beignets may absorb too much oil and become greasy.

In Summary

Vegetable cheese beignets are a delightful and versatile dish that you can easily prepare at home. They are perfect for satisfying savory cravings while providing a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Next time you’re in search of a quick and delicious snack or appetizer, give this recipe a try!

Enjoy!