Vegetable Cheese Beignets

Ingredients

For the beignets:

• 1 cup of grated raw carrots
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped parsley (yellow, green, and Russian)
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
• 2 cups of grated 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 ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley or dried coriander (optional)

For frying:

• Vegetable oil

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Grate the carrots and parsnips.
2. Arrange the grated carrots in a separate towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure that the beignets are crispy and not soggy.
3. Finely chop the onion and parsley.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onions, grated carrots, and chopped parsley.
2. Add the grated cheese to the vegetable mixture and mix well.
3. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, baking powder, cornmeal, ground almonds, and paprika.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the vegetable and cheese mixture, followed by the egg and milk mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk.

Step 3: Fry the Beignets

1. Heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, flattening each slightly to form small patties.
3. Fry the beignets in batches, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the beignets and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve the vegetable beignets warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
2. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayonnaise.

Tips for Perfect Beignets

• Drain the vegetables: Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the carrots and other vegetables to keep the beignets crispy.
• Cheese selection: Use any cheese you prefer, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works particularly well.
• Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the beignets to avoid them becoming greasy.

Summary

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