Desserts are one thing that cannot be missing at any holiday table or gathering, and if you’re bored of eating the same pies and cakes over and over again, I’ve got a suggestion for you.
One of the biggest food trends in 2020 are Arabic treats, and as globalization makes the world a smaller place, we are increasingly searching for exotic and exciting new cuisines. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love Arabic desserts because they consist of a bit of everything. From baklava and to pistachio cake, to sweet cheese pastry and Kunafa, there will definitely be an option for everyone!
Here are the top addictive Arabic sweet treats for dessert.
Creamy ricotta cheese wrapped inside golden, crunchy strands of sticky sweet kunafa. A sprinkling of vibrantly green pistachios add the finishing touch to this handheld delicacy.
You can find the recipe at: https://cleobuttera.com/middle-eastern/ricotta-kunafa-rolls/
Lugaimat (Logma)
These delicious brown dumplings are deep-fried and smothered in date syrup and sesame seeds. A local favourite, these sweet balls are crunchy, crispy and soft all at the same time. The fried exterior is slightly hard, but when you break through, soft mush fills your mouth. This delicacy is normally made by Bedouin women in round deep pans. 30 – 50 are made at any one time. Lugaimat is often topped with sugar, nutella, or honey syrup.
Top recommended restaurant in Dubai serving this
Location – Logma, Boxpark
Timings – 9 AM to 12 AM
Cost – AED 35
Contact – 80056462
Lebanese Semolina Pudding (Layali Lubnan)
A very popular dessert throughout the Middle East, this Lebanese Semolina Pudding (Layali Lubnan) includes sweet-tart cranberries, thick coconut cream, ground pistachios, and a floral-scented syrup. This vegan recipe can be whipped up quickly, then it chills in the fridge until you are ready to dig in.
You can find the recipe at: http://www.landsandflavors.com/lebanese-semolina-pudding-layali-lubnan/
Kanafeh (Sweet Cheese Pastry)
A pastry consisting of hot cheese in between layers crispy shredded phyllo dough in a sweet syrup that is common in Greece, Turkey, Israel and many other countries in the area.
You can find the recipe at : https://www.closetcooking.com/kanafeh-sweet-cheese-pastry/
Harissa
Harissa is a semolina based dessert, some recipes add coconut while others add a cream filling but in its most basic form harissa is a semolina cake drizzled with syrup and decorated with nuts. Simple yet completely addictive!
You can find the recipe at: https://go.skimresources.com/?id=113896X1572730&isjs=1&jv=15.2.4-stackpath&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fparade.com%2F972496%2Ffelicialim%2Fbest-arabic-dessert-recipes%2F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fchefindisguise.com%2F2015%2F11%2F29%2Fharissa-recipe%2F&xs=1&xtz=-60&xuuid=5401a7f8be7d2699750c03507d0b4e06&xjsf=other_click__touchstart%20%5B%5D
Atayek (Middle Eastern Pancakes)
Atayef or Qatayef are Middle Eastern pancakes filled with white cheese or nuts then soaked in a rose sugary syrup. They are only made and served during the Holy month of Ramadan.
You can find the recipe at: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/regular-atayef-middle-eastern-pancakes/
Phyllo Milk Pie (Mesh Om Ali)
Pleated sheets of phyllo dough, soaked and flavored with a luscious combination of sweetened condensed milk and cream, topped with puffs of ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of nuts. Crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside…simply one of the best easy desserts you will ever make!
You can find the recipe at: https://cleobuttera.com/middle-eastern/mesh-om-ali-phyllo-milk-pie/
Orange Saffron Syrup Cakes
These orange saffron syrup cakes are inspired by the humble yet exquisite Basbousa, a moist semolina and coconut baked confection with a coarse pudding-like texture (I make a mean one, here’s the recipe!). Baked to soft and sweet perfection, these mini cakes are then drizzled with a delicious syrup that soaks right in.
You can find the recipe at: https://thefoodscape.com/2018/06/14/orange-saffron-syrup-cakes/
Muhalabieh (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Dessert)
Muhalabieh is a creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding infused with rose water, and topped with crushed pistachios.
You can find the recipe at: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/muhalabieh/
Pistachio Baklava
Thirty crisp layers of buttery phyllo and heaps of fragrant pistachios, combine to make an utterly delicious, light yet rich baklava that tastes like it came straight from a Turkish bakery.
You can find the recipe at: https://cleobuttera.com/middle-eastern/pistachio-baklava/
Pistachio Cake with Mohallabieh Cream
The flavor combination of pistachios, rosewater and cinnamon gives it an Arabic touch to it.
You can find the recipe at: https://savoryandsweetfood.com/2015/11/05/pistachio-cake-with-mohallabieh-cream/
Sweet Cheese Qatayef Asafiri
Qatayef Asafiri is a delicious, fragrant and beautiful Arabian pancake stuffed with sweet cheese filling and ground pistachios. A great addition to your pancake repertoire!
You can find the recipe at: https://www.gastrosenses.com/blog/sweet-cheese-qatayef-asafiri/
Cashew Filled Baklava Rolls
A fun take on baklava, these baklava rolls, filled with a spiced cashew mixture, make the perfect dessert for your next party! Be sure to see the easy step-by-step tutorial below the recipe.
You can find the recipe at: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/cashew-filled-baklava-rolls/
