You'll Thank Me After Eating These 10 International Desserts
Today is your lucky day! I present to you a list of the most unparalleled desserts from around the world, which may not always be as sweet as cake drenched in frosting, but, trust me, they’re more delicious and even healthier. Note: the following are not ranked by deliciousness; they’re all equal of respect!
Mince pie is a traditional British dessert, eaten usually in winter, which is understandable because it tastes like the holidays. Spices galore and minced apples and oranges (hence the name) make up a sweet filling dolloped in a pie shell, and the raisins are the best surprise, bursting with sweetness. The strong flavor of cloves and currents are one of a kind, so this dessert isn’t the sweetest, but it’s just the right amount.
2. Jalebi
Jalebi, a popular dessert in India, is so beautiful that I couldn’t resist eating it. When you take a bite of the vibrant orange spirals (resembling funnel cake), hidden inside is a sticky, sweet syrup encapsulated by a chewy and crispy layer from being fried in oil. Jalebi is further enriched by cardamom, yogurt, and sometimes saffron and rose water. It will make your day to see the glow of the fiery orange rings sitting on your kitchen counter.
3. Shir berenj
Shir berenj, a Persian dish my grandmother has made countless times and I never tire of it, is a romantic take on rice pudding. The addition of rose water to the pudding offers a great perfume and a unique, sweet taste. Don’t get the impression it tastes of roses and rice – it’s a versatile dish, eaten hot or cold, where the flavors of rice, milk and mild rose water compliment each other. Try it before you deny it.
4. Madeleines
These buttery, vanilla cushions (well, cookies) are crisp at the first bite, but melt away from there. They’re not your regular vanilla cookies, for their shell shape and signature hump on the underside are extra delightful and fun to savor. When I visited France, I insisted on bringing some home, then teared up when we ran out.
5. Picarones
Picarones are Peruvian doughnuts which are better than your average doughnut, and you’ll see why. Although they’re deep-fried, picarones are healthier because they consist of natural ingredients, like sweet potato or squash instead of flour, served with chancaca (raw sugar) syrup. I made these rings of heaven recently, and they’re a divine take on any doughnut, or any fried dessert for that matter.
6. Pizelles
These Italian cookies are simple but fulfilling, flavored with anise, shaped like thin discs, and topped with an intricate flower or geometric pattern. The batter takes a few minutes to make, which is then pressed in a waffle iron that forms the iconic pizzelle shape. I make sure to eat one once a year when my grandmother makes them, as the crunch and anise explosion is to die for.
Greek baklava is a pastry drenched in syrup and composed of phyllo dough with layers of chopped nuts. When biting into the delicate pastry, the syrup absorbed into the layers spills out along with the range of flavors from all the ingredients. It’s all topped off with a crunch of the flaky dough that juxtaposes the sticky sweetness. There’s no exaggeration here – it really is that amazing.
That is all you need: cinnamon and oranges. The convenient Moroccan dessert is not one you would crave out of nowhere, but once you try it, they’re unforgettable. At first, my taste buds were unsure, but the spice of cinnamon and sweet sugar with the acidic orange was a dessert epiphany. You should at least, if fruits aren’t your preferred dessert, incorporate these oranges into your breakfast.
9. Halva
Halva is a dense but crumbly dessert resembling fudge made of a sweet sesame paste or tahini, at times embellished with pistachios or cardamom flavor. It originated in southwest Asia, including Iran, Turkey, India, Lebanon and Israel (that’s how popular halva is). It’s so refreshing and addictive that it may rival your long-time favorite desserts.
The hot chocolate we know and love is the descendant of an ancient chocolate drink from the Mayans. Mexican hot chocolate is an underrated take on this beloved drink. This hot chocolate still satisfies any sweet tooth, only alongside an abundance of cinnamon and spices like cayenne and chili pepper. Its unique, spicy taste offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that one can’t resist indulging in.
Every dish listed above is simple to make from scratch, for numerous recipes are online and the ingredients may already live in your pantry. However, if you’re not the cooking type, do not panic, as these international desserts are accessible at grocery stores, local restaurants, bodegas, etc. Not only is it an adventure to try these confectionaries, it’s also exciting to seek them out.
By Katie Leslie