Vegetable Cheese Beignets

Ingredients

For the Beignets:

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

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by grating the carrots and parsnips. Arrange the chopped courgettes on a separate towel and press to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your beignets are crispy and not soggy. Finely chop the onion and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

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

In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and cornmeal. Add garlic powder and paprika if desired.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then whisk in the milk. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the cheese and vegetable mixture, then add the egg and milk mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a little extra milk.

Step 3: Fry the Beignets

Heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large, medium-sized saucepan. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon to scoop small portions of the batter into the oil, forming little patties.

Fry the beignets in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess oil on a plate lined with absorbent paper towels.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the vegetable beignets warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if preferred. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayonnaise.

Tips for Perfect Beignets

• Drain the Vegetables: Ensure to remove any excess moisture from the carrots and other vegetables to keep the beignets crispy.
• Cheese Selection: Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, but a combination of mozzarella and cheddar works particularly well.
• Cooking Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the beignets. If the oil isn’t sufficiently heated, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Summary

Vegetable cheese beignets are a versatile and delicious dish that is easy to make at home. They are perfect for satisfying savory cravings and a great way to include more vegetables in your diet. The next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer, try this recipe. Enjoy!