New Orleans Rice Calas/ Beginets- Dessert Treats Anytime

 Beignets are not the only tasty Creole sweet treat from New Orleans.

Calas  (pronounced  Ka-la) are deep fried yeast risen rice cakes that are served with powdered sugar or syrup.

Breakfast, lunch,dinner, or just as a snack with coffee, these are a unique way to enjoy the  Creole flavor of New Orleans cuisine.

This is from an old 1880's recipe adjusted for modern methods.

Makes approximately 20 Calas- enough for the whole family.

Leftover rice will never be a problem again.

     

Step 1

1 1/2 cups of cooked, mashed lukewarm rice

One packet of yeast

1/2 cup of warm water


Step 2

Three  eggs at room tempture, beaten

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (+1  tablespoon) white sugar

1 1/4 cups of flour

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

oil for frying


Setp 3

Confectioners sugar for dusting

Steens Cane Syrup(optional)

Add one packet of yeast  to 1/2 cup of lukewarm warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Set aside for five minutes to activate the yeast.

Add 1 1/2 cups of cooked lukewarm (if rice is cold, warm gently in microwave)  mashed rice to a medium sized bowl, mix in the yeast/water mixture and mix well.
Cover and let rise for a few hours or overnight.

Beat the eggs, sugar, salt, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until well mixed. Add this to the rice/yeast mixture, beat until smooth.

Let stand and rise again  in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Heat at least 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to between 340-360 F. Use a  candy or deep fryer thermometer to check the temperature.

Stir the rice/flour mix until well mixed.

Carefully drop a heaping  tablespoon( or 2 oz. ladle)  if the stirred mix into the hot oil.

Cook about 2-3 minutes turning to evenly brown- using a slotted spoon.

Do not crowd the calas, cook in batches to avoid lowering oil temperature.

Remove and drain on paper towels then sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle warm syrup (Steen's Cane Syrup is a favorite.)

 "Calas, bels calas tout chauds!"   -Creole French

 "Calas, beautiful calas, still hot!"    -English

Whatever language you use- these are a delicious treat every time they are served.

Go back to step one, and start again!