What is Parfait ?
Parfait is a dessert that has become very popular in Nigeria for a while now, though it originated in France. It basically comes in two forms – ice cream or yoghurt. Yoghurt parfaits are the most popular in Nigeria. They are made by simply layering yoghurt with granola, nuts, and/or fresh fruits (such as peaches, strawberries, or blueberries). They are sold in stores and some restaurants. The interesting thing is parfait can be home-made as long as the essential ingredients are available. Interestingly, the oldest known recipe dates back to 1892. To enjoy parfait, it is best served when chilled or frozen.
Why is it called Parfait?
The word “parfait” actually means “perfect” in French. The origin of parfait can be traced back to references of a dessert in French cuisine in 1894. They’re most often prepared in tall glasses known as parfait glasses and are typically made with layers of ingredients
Is Parfait healthy?
It depends because it contains a lot of sugar, and unnecessary additives which when consumed in excess aren’t too healthy for the body. However, if made with the essential ingredients, and consumed moderately, it has lots of health benefits.
Yoghurt parfaits can be great fuel for your body and brain. Nutrients such as protein, fibre, natural sugars, and healthy fats help in the general metabolism of the body.
This fibre/protein combination provides a longer lasting energy boost and helps to prevent hunger, so it’s ideal for weight loss since you won’t be starving an hour after eating like you would if you were to simply consume only carbohydrates like biscuits.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
515 calories – protein 21.4g; carbohydrates 68.2g; fat 17.8g; cholesterol 12.3mg; sodium 177.1mg.
Ingredients used in making it
In France, where the dish originated, parfait is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar and syrup to create a custard-like puree.
Steps in making it.
It should be noted that making Parfait is dependent on the ingredients to be used, especially if fruits are involved. Fruit parfait is the combination of different types of fruit and yoghurt
This decadent, fruity dessert is a great healthy alternative if you’ve got a craving for something delectably sweet. Feel free to chop and change fruit and quantities based on your taste.
Ingredients:
Yoghurt – Sweetened or unsweetened depending on your choice (from N1,000)
Granolas (Starting from N700)
7 Dates nuts or almonds (N100)
Two slices of Coconut (N100)
Apple (N100)
Bananas (N300)
Water Melon (N200)
One Grape/ Berries
Preparation
Slice the coconut into tiny portions, blend to get portions into chips and heat for a few minutes until slightly crunchy. Cut open dates or almonds into tiny portions and leave refrigerated. Slice the apples, bananas and the red part of watermelon in tiny portions and leave refrigerated.
In a tall glass, add three spoonfuls of frozen yoghurt, add three teaspoons of granola. Add fruit mix. Add more yoghurt. Then, add half a portion of dates/almonds, granolas and more fruits, add more yoghurt. Add coconut chips and use the remaining dates/almonds as toppings. Add grapes (or any other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, apples, etc) to the centre.
And there you have your homemade yoghurt parfait.
Note this:
- Greek yoghurts are used ideally but any yoghurt would do so long as it is thick and of good quality.
- If you are using an unsweetened yoghurt, sprinkle topping with honey if available.
- Feel free to experiment with your fruit mix or make different servings using one type of fruit per glass.
- You can use processed coconut chips e.g the one sold in traffic but blend or cut up into smaller portions.