Ingredients:
For the Beignets:
- 1 cup raw carrots (grated)
- 1 cup parsnips (grated)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley (yellow, green, or Russian)
- 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 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon powdered almonds
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley or dried cilantro (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Grate the carrots and parsnips. Place the grated vegetables in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Finely chop the onions and parsley. This step ensures crispy, non-soggy beignets.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, parsnips, chopped onions, and parsley. Add the shredded cheese and mix well. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and cornmeal. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the vegetable-cheese mixture, followed by the egg and milk mixture. Stir until well combined. If the batter is too thick, add a little extra milk.
Step 3: Fry the Beignets
Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, flattening them slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
Step 4: Serving
Serve these crispy vegetable cheese beignets warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, paired with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayo.
Tips for Perfect Beignets:
- Drain Vegetables: Remove excess moisture to maintain crispiness.
- Cheese Selection: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for optimal flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure oil is hot before frying to avoid greasy beignets.
In Summary:
These crispy vegetable cheese beignets are a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for satisfying savory cravings, they’re a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Try them as a quick snack or appetizer and enjoy their golden, cheesy goodness!
