While Pakistan may seem up-to-date with most food trends, one thing we are definitely lacking is the fluffy, pillowy, golden brown, little treat called a Beignet. Pronounced bin-yeh-z, it is a French word synonymous with the English ‘fritter’. The most simplistic way to describe them would be square pieces of deep-fried dough, dusted with powdered sugar. Sound perfect, right?
Since the 16th century, beignets have been associated with French Mardi Gras’ as many recipes that have beignets appeared around the same time. Today, however, beignets are mostly enjoyed in New Orleans. Tthanks to French colonists who brought the food over to the United States. They are commonly served as breakfast with sugar on top and freshly prepared to be eaten hot.
So why do we want them to come to Pakistan? Well, in the simplest of terms, they’re extremely delicious. Beignets are classified as choux pastry attributed to its airy and puffy quality and traditionally served with Café au Lait. Being the carb and dessert lovers that we are, beignets are the perfect solutions to all our cravings. They’re easy to make, cheap and there’s no frills or fuss when it comes to them.
Beignets are similar to the funnel cake experience, except they’re only a million times better. They’re always served fresh and melt in your mouth as soon as you take a bite. Plus, it’s extremely entertaining watching others, and yourself, get messy as you eat them.
Beignets are also extremely versatile and can be served with just about anything. The sky’s the limit for these doughy squares as you can serve them with anything from fruit to chocolate to even ice cream. Because of this, and the fact that they’re easy to make, they can literally be eaten at anytime and anywhere.
At this point, there’s only one thing we’re thinking of (besides beignets, of course) and that is a carnival. Carnivals seem to be the perfect beignet spots and we really hope to see some at the next big food festival, if not earlier. Food, and the memories associated with them, link us to times and places. Beignets are a timeless essential that bring back memories even if you haven’t had them before; they’re really that good.
So, contact your local donut pioneer and beg them to start making these, maybe if enough of us ask, we’ll get our hands on these delicious, heavenly pillows. Till then, if you ever catch yourself on a plane to New Orleans, check out Café du Monde for the utmost original and classic beignets. Or, just make them at home because frankly, they’re quite easy to make.
