Are you craving warm, fluffy biscuits but intimidated by complicated recipes? Forget everything you think you know about biscuit-making! This recipe delivers incredibly tender, flaky biscuits using just oil instead of shortening or lard. It's a foolproof method perfect for even the most novice bakers, resulting in a delicious breakfast treat or delightful side dish. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade biscuits, easily and quickly! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought options. Let's dive into this easy, healthy, and quick dinner side.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or your preferred oil)
- 3/4 cup milk (plus extra for brushing, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly risen biscuits.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil and milk. Gently stir with a fork, just until the dough comes together. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough biscuits.
Step 3: Shaping the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter (or a knife) to cut out biscuits. Reroll scraps to make more biscuits.
Step 4: Baking the Biscuits
Place the biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra milk for a golden brown crust (optional). Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Serving
Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, gravy, or your favorite savory toppings.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use cold ingredients: Cold ingredients help create a flakier texture.
- Handle the dough gently: Gentle handling prevents the development of gluten, resulting in softer biscuits.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the biscuits enough space to rise properly.
Variations:
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
- Herb Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dry ingredients.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on oil and milk used)
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
This recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy homemade biscuits without any fuss. The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for beginners, while the variations allow for endless customization. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats! They're the perfect addition to any meal, from breakfast to dinner. Enjoy!