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Ramadan Dessert Recipes Delight

Delicious Dessert Recipes for Ramadan: Sweet Treats to Savor During the Holy Month

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Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is also a time for gathering with family and friends to break the fast with delicious meals. After a long day of fasting, indulging in delightful desserts is a cherished tradition across the Muslim world. From rich, creamy puddings to fluffy pastries, the variety of sweets available during Ramadan is both abundant and tempting. This article explores some of the most popular and beloved dessert recipes to try during this holy month, ensuring that every iftar (the meal to break the fast) is memorable.

1. Knafeh (Kunafa)

Knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, is made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, layered with cheese or cream, and baked to perfection. This dish is often garnished with crushed pistachios and is served warm.

Ingredients:

  • 400 grams of kunafa dough (shredded phyllo pastry)
  • 250 grams of unsalted cheese (such as mozzarella)
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom water
  • Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add rose water or orange blossom water and let cool.

  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  3. Prepare the Kunafa: In a large bowl, separate the kunafa strands and mix them with melted butter until well coated.

  4. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, place half of the kunafa mixture at the bottom. Spread the cheese evenly on top and then cover with the remaining kunafa.

  5. Bake: Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunafa. Let it absorb the syrup for a few minutes before serving.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with crushed pistachios before serving warm.

2. Basbousa (Semolina Cake)

Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh or Revani, is a sweet semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup, often flavored with coconut or almonds. This simple yet delightful dessert is a favorite in many households.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Sliced almonds or blanched almonds for garnish
  • For the syrup:
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. If desired, add rose water. Allow to cool.

  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, yogurt, sugar, milk, melted butter, and baking powder. Mix well until smooth.

  4. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Score the surface into diamond or square shapes and place an almond in the center of each piece. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

  5. Soak in Syrup: Remove the basbousa from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over it. Allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

3. Qatayef (Stuffed Pancakes)

Qatayef are delightful stuffed pancakes traditionally served during Ramadan. These pancakes can be filled with various sweet fillings such as nuts, cream, or sweet cheese, then folded and fried or baked.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • A pinch of salt
  • Fillings of choice (e.g., sweet cheese, walnuts, or custard)
  • Oil for frying
  • For the syrup:
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then add lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.

  2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, semolina, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water, stirring to form a smooth batter.

  3. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour a small ladle of batter into the skillet, forming small pancakes (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute. Remove and keep covered.

  4. Stuff the Pancakes: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each pancake, then fold and pinch the edges to seal.

  5. Fry the Qatayef: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the stuffed pancakes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  6. Serve: Drizzle with cooled syrup before serving.

4. Rice Pudding (Roz Bel Laban)

Rice pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for Ramadan.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice (short-grain or medium-grain)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios) for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.

  2. Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).

  3. Add Milk and Sugar: Add the remaining milk and sugar to the cooked rice. Stir well and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens (about 15-20 minutes).

  4. Flavor and Serve: Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat. Pour the pudding into serving dishes and sprinkle with ground cinnamon and nuts before serving.

5. Ma’amoul (Stuffed Date Cookies)

Ma’amoul are traditional Middle Eastern cookies filled with dates, nuts, or figs, often enjoyed during festive occasions, including Ramadan. These delicate cookies are a labor of love but are well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup finely chopped dates or a mix of nuts (walnuts, pistachios)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, semolina, softened butter, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Mix well and gradually add milk to form a soft dough. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix the chopped dates or nuts with cinnamon until well combined.

  3. Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Take a small ball of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a teaspoon of filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and shape into a ball or press into a ma’amoul mold.

  4. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.

  5. Dust and Serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Conclusion

These delectable desserts bring joy and sweetness to the iftar table during Ramadan. Each recipe reflects the rich culinary heritage of the regions they come from, offering a blend of flavors and textures that delight the palate. From the syrup-soaked layers of knafeh to the comforting warmth of rice pudding, these treats not only satisfy sweet cravings but also bring families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. Enjoy these delightful dishes and make your Ramadan gatherings even more special with these traditional sweets.

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