The vibrancy of Mardi Gras was on full display on the morning of March 4, 2025, as Les Halles de Narbonne hosted special workshops to celebrate the occasion with traditional French delicacies. The highlight of the morning was the popular oreillettes, known by different names such as merveilles or bugnes across France, which were the focus of hands-on culinary sessions at the market, reviving this age-old tradition.
According to Stéphane Romain, the organizer of the workshops at Les Halles, "C’est un retour de la fabrication d’oreillettes au cœur des Halles que nous ne faisions plus depuis quelques années. C’est la suite logique après Carnaval." This quote reflects not just nostalgia, but also the community's joy as they rediscover and honor their culinary heritage together.
During the workshop, many participants remarked on how infrequently they enjoyed oreillettes, even though they are simple to prepare. Romain elaborated on this by stating, "L’oreillette, c’est facile à faire et à transmettre, ça ne coûte rien et on peut les conserver pendant une dizaine de jours." This emphasis on accessibility makes oreillettes not only delicious but also practical, as they can be shared and enjoyed over time.
The recipe for oreillettes shared during the session is both straightforward and fulfilling. It includes 650 grams of flour, 4 eggs, 100 grams of powdered sugar, 1/2 glass of orange blossom water, 1/4 glass of olive oil (or 70 grams of butter), 1 sachet of baker's yeast, and a pinch of salt. The steps are simple: mix the ingredients, knead the dough until soft, let it rest for two hours, and then roll it out thinly. The dough can then be cut out and fried until golden brown, creating the perfect treat for the festive season. Romain’s workshop made it clear: these golden, crispy delights should hold more prominent places at the family table during celebrations.
Meanwhile, culinary icon Cyril Lignac shared his favorite chocolate beignet recipe on social media, bringing his own festive twist to this year’s Mardi Gras. Lignac boasts about the simplicity of his beignets. His recipe—taking only 30 minutes to prepare—has become immensely popular among those seeking to enjoy the festivities without spending hours in the kitchen. "Ma recette préférée de beignets au chocolat," Cyril cheerfully announced on his Instagram account, encouraging everyone to indulge their sweet tooth.
Lignac's recipe requires just 3 organic eggs, 300 grams of fromage blanc (ideally with 40% fat for extra moisture), 140 grams of powdered sugar, 145 grams of flour, and 16 grams of baking powder. This express recipe allows even the busiest of home cooks to whip up delicious beignets without the need for complicated processes or delays. Rather than waiting for dough to rise, cooks can create fluffy pastries with minimal hassle.
For perfect frying results, Lignac advises heating the oil to 170 degrees Celsius: "Déposez une toute petite boule de pâte, cela doit tout de suite frémir autour sans dorer ou brûler immédiatement," he describes as his technique, which ensures every beignet is cooked to perfection. This attention to cooking temperature guarantees crispy exteriors and soft, flavorful interiors, making each bite truly divine.
Once fried, the beignets should be rolled in powdered sugar when still warm to allow for optimal sugar adherence. Further elevatiing the treat, Lignac's recipe encourages adding hazelnut spread, jam, or even homemade chocolate ganache as fillings, allowing for delightful customization to suit different tastes.
Both events at Les Halles and the recipe from Cyril Lignac accentuated the communal and celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras—an occasion steeped deeply in tradition. The history of Mardi Gras has roots dating back to ancient agrarian practices where festivities were marked by elaborate feasts prior to the fasting of Lent.
Originally viewed as the last hurrah before Lent, Mardi Gras allowed revelers to indulge before the period of abstinence began. Each year, families pass down recipes and traditions from one generation to the next, reinforcing the cultural and familial connections they share.
With guidance from chefs like Lignac and community figures like Romain, Mardi Gras is not only visually splendid but also deeply flavorful, creating lasting memories through food. This holiday season encourages everyone to explore delectable recipes, forge stronger family ties through cooking, and embrace the joyful spirit of carnival. So whether you’re frying oreillettes or whipping up chocolate beignets, this Mardi Gras serves as both a reminder and celebration of culinary traditions rich with history and flavor.