The Arabic word behind sfenj means what in English?

The Arabic word behind sfenj means “sponge” in English.

The name fits the doughnut’s texture: sfenj is a light, airy ring of fried dough associated with the Maghreb. Unlike a dense, heavily sweetened cake doughnut, it is typically made from a yeast-based dough and may be eaten plain, dusted with sugar, or served with honey or syrup.

Sfenj is found across North Africa, with regional names including khfaf and ftayr in Algeria, sfenz in Libya, and other local forms. The word is often linked to its spongy interior rather than to the ring shape itself. In Morocco, sfenj is commonly bought fresh from specialist vendors, especially in the morning.

Sfenj is sometimes described simply as a “Moroccan doughnut,” but that label can hide its wider Maghrebi identity. Historical accounts connect the pastry’s development with al-Andalus and its later spread across North Africa. Its preparation and toppings vary by country, so “sfenj” identifies a family of related regional fried breads rather than one rigid recipe.