This post contains an affiliate link. Please read my Disclosures for more information.
Growing up in Haiti, Mardi-Gras “Fat Tuesday” was fun and bittersweet. It was the last day of the three days of carnival celebration. What I used to enjoy the most was eating those delicious beignets that my grandmother made us. Any Haitian could relate to beignets as you would find them at every corner during the carnival celebration.
I want my children to know about my culture. Every year, for Fat Tuesday, we eat beignets, play carnival songs, dance and laugh at ourselves. Life is about creating memories and every moment is a special occasion to create a new one.
What I used to make my beignets today
Vegetable oil for deep frying
3 ripe bananas, mashed.
1 cup all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon baking powder.
1 large egg, beaten.
¼ cup milk
¼ cup granulated sugar, plus more to sprinkle on beignets before serving.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1 pinch of salt.
Preparation
In a mixing bowl, I combined all the ingredients and mixed them well using a hand mixer on low speed until the mixture was smooth.
After heating the oil in a pan, I took 1 tbsp worth of batter for each beignet and fried them about one minute per side and I removed them once they became a golden color.
I drained them onto a paper towel. My daughter enjoyed to sprinkle the confectioner’s’ sugar on the hot beignets.
It’s a rich dessert, after all, it’s Fat Tuesday, we will fast tomorrow.
Beignets are a favorite of ours when we’ve been out at restaurants. I’ve never thought about trying to make them at home — but you make it look so simple! Definitely a rich, once-a-year treat for us. 🙂
It is sure a sweet and delicious treat, Amanda, and we fast the next day.
I do not recall I had beignets before. Thanks for sharing your recipe! It looks simple enough to do but looks yummy too!
I am sure they have other versions of the recipe for beignets, the simpler, the better for us.
I had no idea banana was in beignets. These are one of my most favorite treats to get at a local bakery and I definitely want to try making it myself now!
Once you do, share with me, Angela!
You know, I’ve never had a beinget before. I had a bunch of the fifth graders giving me a hard time about it at one of the school functions I volunteered at because they are a staple in Houston with all the New Orleans influence here. I guess I’ll just have to make my own because this looks fun!
It’s fun and easy, and my girls love them.
I’ve never had Beignets before! They look so delicious. Thanks for sharing this – I’d like to try this out!
Try and let me know, Ria!
OMG, thanks for the recipe for Beignets. I always wanted to try them when I saw Princess and the Frog. But, can you make it without bananas? I have a banana allergy.
Absolutely, Aisasami, you can do them without the banana and I am sure they will still be a sweet treat.
Now my mouth is just watering! These look so yum! I will give it a go with my family, I best they are going to love them! Thank you so much for sharing this tradition!
Thanks, Fran!
Dont hate me! I dont love bengiets! I know people do but they are SO SWEET! Lol
Absolutely not, Neely, if you come at our house on Fat Tuesday, we will make you any special sweet treat that you like.
Haitian dishes are so delicious. I really like the vanilla, cinnamon and banana ingredients.
To me, vanilla makes any dessert tastes better, Glenda!
Creating memories around special occasions is one of my favorite things. When food is involved, even better! These look delicious!
Same thing for me, Christa!
New dish for me this, but looks like this would be fab and super fun to make. Also, I bet these tasted yummy too xx
They are, Melanie!
Omg how yummy! To be honest I totally forgot about Fat Tuesday this year! I’m so bummed since I’m all about themed days
Make sure, you don’t miss it, Courtney!
I’ve never had the chance to go to any type of Mardi Gras celebrations or even tried a beignets ever. BUT now that I know how easily I can create one at home, I am definitely going to give it a try!
It’s so fun when it’s done at home, Kristen!
Ahh this looks so yummy! I’m such a sucker for sweets like Bengniets!
Same for us, Kim!
I Malaysia we make these too but minus the cinnamon and nutmeg. We call them cekodok. I must try your recipe for a change.
In Malaysia* (typing error)
I would love to have your recipe, Karen, I love Malaysian cuisine. When I was living in NJ, one of my favorite restaurants was Penang. I have not found a Malaysian restaurant in Tampa yet.
Ooooh this is genius! I love beignets!
Me too, Barbara!