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Beignets de Mil

The Quirky Foodster Team

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25 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
10
Servings

Ingredients

  • Millet flour — 1.5 cups (210 g / 7.5 oz)
  • Plain flour — 1/2 cup (60 g / 2 oz)
  • Baking powder — 1 tsp
  • Sugar — 2 tbsp
  • Of salt — pinch
  • Warm water — 3/4 cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz)
  • Oil for deep frying

Method

  1. Combine the millet flour, plain flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl.
  2. Gradually add warm water, mixing to form a thick, smooth batter.
  3. Cover and rest the batter for 20 minutes.
  4. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pan.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and puffed, about 3–4 minutes, turning once.
  6. Drain on paper towels before serving warm.

Introduction: Small, crisp-edged fried millet dough puffs, a favourite street-side breakfast bite across Malian towns.

Cultural Background: Sold from roadside stalls in the early morning, these fritters give commuters and schoolchildren a quick, filling bite made from the same millet that anchors so much of Malian cooking, fried fresh throughout the morning rush.

Tips: Resting the batter helps the beignets puff up better during frying. Keep spoonfuls small and uniform so they cook through evenly.

Variations: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth. Dust with a little extra sugar just before serving.

Storage: Store cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp, or an air fryer for 4 minutes.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 3 pieces): 240 kcal, 5 g protein, 9 g fat, 34 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use only millet flour?

A: Yes, though a little plain flour helps bind and lighten the texture.

Q: Are these very sweet?

A: They have a light sweetness; adjust sugar to taste.