Beavertails, a beloved Canadian treat, are a type of fried pastry known for their unique shape resembling a beaver's tail. Originating in Ottawa in the 1970s, these pastries are renowned for their crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Often adorned with a variety of delicious toppings, Beavertails offer a versatile dessert option that can cater to different tastes, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
The Beavertail pastry made its debut in Ottawa, Canada, during the 1970s. The name derives from the distinctive shape of the pastry, which resembles the flattened tail of a beaver. Initially popularized at the Byward Market, Beavertails quickly became a Canadian icon. The pastry's success is attributed to its delightful texture and the ability to be customized with various sweet toppings, reflecting the diverse flavor preferences of Canadian cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Oil for frying
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, maple butter, fresh fruit)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm water, milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let Dough Rise: Place dough in a clean bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
7. Shape Pastries: Divide dough into 6-8 portions and shape each into ovals about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Fry Pastries: Fry dough ovals in batches, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
9. Add Toppings: While warm, sprinkle Beavertails with your desired toppings.
Notes:
- Use instant yeast for a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust dough consistency if needed; add more water if too dry, or more flour if too wet.
- Ensure the dough rises fully to achieve a light texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer to ensure even cooking.
Beavertails are not only a delightful dessert but also a piece of Canadian culinary heritage, celebrated for their distinct shape and versatility. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or reheated for a crispy treat!
Nutrition Value:
1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- Calories: 910
- Carbohydrates: 189 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (e.g., niacin, thiamine)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus
Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour provides essential carbohydrates for energy and contributes to protein intake. It also offers some B vitamins and minerals like iron, which are important for metabolic processes and oxygen transport in the blood.
2. Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
Nutritional Benefit: Granulated sugar primarily provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content. However, it lacks essential vitamins and minerals, so it should be consumed in moderation.
3. Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,150 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
Nutritional Benefit: Salt is a major source of sodium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve function. However, excessive intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure.
4. Instant Yeast (1 package)
- Calories: 7
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (e.g., niacin, riboflavin, folate)
- Minerals: Small amounts of iron, potassium, calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Instant yeast aids in dough leavening, contributing to a light and airy texture. It also provides some B vitamins important for energy metabolism.
5. Warm Water (3/4 cup)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
Nutritional Benefit: Water is crucial for hydration and helps in mixing the dough but does not contribute calories or nutrients.
6. Milk (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 37
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Milk provides protein, calcium for bone health, and essential vitamins like Vitamin D and B12. It also adds flavor and moisture to the dough.
7. Egg (1 large)
- Calories: 72
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 71 mg
- Cholesterol: 186 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, B12
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium
Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. They help in binding ingredients together and contribute to the pastry’s structure.
8. Melted Butter (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 204
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pastry, providing essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D, which are important for vision and immune function.
9. Oil for Frying
- Calories: Varies (approximately 120 calories per tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 14 g (per tablespoon)
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Depends on the type of oil (e.g., Vitamin E in some oils)
- Minerals: Varies
Nutritional Benefit: Frying oil adds a significant amount of fat, which contributes to the pastry's crispy texture. The type of oil used can influence the nutritional profile, such as omega-3 fatty acids in some oils.
10. Toppings (Varies)
- Cinnamon Sugar:
- Calories: 10 (per tsp)
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and a hint of spice but lacks significant nutritional value.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread:
- Calories: 200 (per 2 tbsp)
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Provides a rich, creamy texture and added flavors but is high in sugar and fat. Contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
- Maple Butter:
- Calories: 70 (per 1 tbsp)
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts
- Minerals: Trace amounts
Nutritional Benefit: Adds a unique maple flavor but is high in sugar with minimal nutritional value.
- Fresh Fruit (e.g., strawberries, bananas):
- Strawberries (1/2 cup):
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, folate
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
Nutritional Benefit: Provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, offering a healthier topping option with added freshness.
- Bananas (1/2 banana):
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium
Nutritional Benefit: Bananas add natural sweetness, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, which supports heart health.
Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor and texture of Beavertails, with varying nutritional benefits and considerations.
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