Dubai, a vibrant city known for its luxurious lifestyle and cultural richness, is also a paradise for food lovers, especially those with sweet teeth. Arabic sweet dishes, with their unique flavors and traditional recipes, are an integral part of the culinary landscape in Dubai. Inspired by the article from Nakheel Mall’s blog, we’ll explore some delectable Arabic dessert recipes and traditional sweets that you must try.
Arabic Dessert Recipes
1. Baklava
Ingredients:
- Phyllo pastry sheets
- Nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
- Butter
- Sugar
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer half of the phyllo sheets in a greased baking dish, brushing each with melted butter.
- Spread a mixture of chopped nuts and cinnamon over the phyllo layers.
- Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, again brushing each with butter.
- Cut into diamond shapes and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare a syrup with sugar, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava and let it soak.
2. Kunafa
Ingredients:
- Kunafa dough (shredded phyllo dough)
- Butter
- Sweet cheese or cream filling
- Sugar
- Water
- Rose water
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the kunafa dough with melted butter.
- Press half of the dough into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the cheese or cream filling evenly over the dough.
- Top with the remaining dough and press down firmly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare a syrup with sugar, water, rose water, and lemon juice.
- Pour the syrup over the hot kunafa and let it soak.
Traditional Sweets in Dubai
Dubai’s rich culinary heritage is reflected in its traditional sweets, a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Here are some of the most popular traditional Arabic sweets you can find in Dubai:
1. Luqaimat
Luqaimat are deep-fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, but smaller and soaked in a sweet syrup. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often sprinkled with sesame seeds.
2. Maamoul
Maamoul are shortbread cookies filled with dates, nuts, or figs. These cookies are typically enjoyed during religious holidays and special occasions.
3. Basbousa
Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in a sweet syrup, often flavored with coconut. It has a dense, moist texture and is usually garnished with almonds or nuts.
4. Qatayef
Qatayef is stuffed pancakes, usually filled with sweet cheese, nuts, or cream. They are a traditional dessert during Ramadan, often served with syrup.
5. Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a rich bread pudding with puff pastry, milk, cream, nuts, and raisins. It is a comforting and indulgent dessert, perfect for special occasions.
6. Halawat El Jibn
This cheese-based dessert is made with semolina, sugar, and rose water, often filled with clotted cream and topped with pistachios.
7. Asabe Zainab
Asabe Zainab, or Zainab’s Fingers, are crispy pastries soaked in syrup, flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. They are a delightful and fragrant treat.
8. Mafroukeh
Mafroukeh is a rich dessert made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and milk, often garnished with nuts and rose petals. It has a soft and creamy texture.
Conclusion
Dubai’s traditional Arabic sweets offer a delightful journey into the region’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you savor the crispy Luqaimat, the indulgent Kunafa, or the fragrant Maamoul, these desserts will surely leave a lasting impression. Next time you’re in Dubai, indulge in these sweet delights and experience the true essence of Arabic hospitality.
