Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown pastry that's been a beloved Canadian street food tradition for decades! These mouthwatering Beaver Tail pastries are not just a treat – they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Canada. With a perfectly crisp exterior, soft interior, and the option to customize with delectable toppings, these fried delights are about to become your new obsession. Get ready to learn the secret to creating the most irresistible pastry that will make you the star of any gathering!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Canadian
Serves: 6 pastries
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
- 1/2 cup Nutella or other toppings
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt, creating a dry ingredient base for the pastry dough.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (around 110°F/43°C), letting it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and active.
- Add the milk and egg to the yeast mixture, whisking thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, ensuring it becomes pliable and develops gluten structure.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions, shaping each into an oval, beaver tail-like shape.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C), using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully stretch each dough piece into a thin, elongated oval shape just before frying, ensuring they're about ¼ inch thick.
- Gently slide each stretched dough piece into the hot oil, frying for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffy.
- Remove the fried pastries using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, dust or coat the pastries generously with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Optional: Spread Nutella, chocolate sauce, or your preferred topping across the warm pastry surface.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the classic Canadian street food treat.
Tips
- • Temperature is crucial! Ensure your oil is precisely 375°F (190°C) for the perfect golden-brown crispiness. • Don't rush the dough rising process – patience creates the most tender texture. • Stretch the dough very thin for that signature crispy, light Beaver Tail texture. • Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature. • Work quickly when frying to prevent the pastry from absorbing too much oil. • Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy, warm experience. • Get creative with toppings – try classic cinnamon sugar, Nutella, maple syrup, or even savory options! • If you don't have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot works perfectly. • Let the dough rest and rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results. • Have all your toppings prepared before frying to serve the pastries while they're piping hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
