Loading ...These traditional Middle Eastern sweets will satisfy your Ramadan cravings
By: Sarah Ahmed Shawky
Source: Stepfeed
After a day of fasting, your stomach has probably collapsed, your body is really low on energy and in dire need for sugar. Any sweet quick fix would go a long way in recharging your body.
Along with our brethren in the Indian subcontinent, we’re guilty of using too much sugar and ghee in our dishes, and this is exactly why western desserts are just meh to us, especially when we are fasting.
Let’s take a look at some of the traditional bites of happiness that keep us going and yearning for the family iftar come every Ramadan.
1. Qatayef, a Ramadan special!
Whether it’s closed Qatayef or smaller Asafiri ones, these mini pancakes stuffed with cream and nuts are a Ramadan special in the Middle East.
Ramadan is never complete without this gem. You can learn how to make some here.
2. Konafa, with all its variations
The thread-like dough encasing cheese, cream, or nuts, sweetened with aromatic sugar syrup is one of the best delicacies you could ever try in your life!
We enjoy konafa all year long, but in Ramadan, its consumption reaches a whole new level! People commonly buy the dough from bakeries and make the dessert at home. Nothing is better than homemade konafa with mama and teta <3
3. Bklawa/ Baklava
Baklava is a tasty layered dessert, sweetened and held together with sugar syrup or honey. The sweet pastry originated in Turkey but is extremely popular all across MENA and beyond.
Wanna make it from scratch? Here you go!
4. Qalb El Louz
This rich Algerian dessert made of semolina and almonds is another delicious Ramadan treat.
5. Qamar El Din Pudding
Who said that Qamar El Din is only a drink? The apricot paste sheets, which originated in Aleppo, are used to make a delicious flavorful pudding as well, served cold for a hot Ramadan day.
6. Chebakia
This tasty Moroccan treat is so popular in Ramadan. I remember trying it at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after a Moroccan fellow pilgrim offered me some at Iftar time.
7. Zoulbia
Zoulbia is fun to make and eat. This Persian yogurt based dessert is so yummy and so popular in Iran and beyond. In Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh it’s called jalebi.
8. Balah Al-sham
Balah Al-Sham, or Tulumba in Turkish and Bamiyeh in Farsi, is a popular fried treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings at iftar.
Be careful though. The key to staying in shape is to have these sugar bombs in moderation.
Bon Appetit! <3
