Year after year, the diversity of global cuisine has been expanding exponentially. The food scene has become increasingly eclectic, with an array of international flavors being introduced and celebrated in mainstream culture. Middle Eastern cuisine is one such example that has gained immense popularity over the years. While many may be familiar with its savory dishes, the sweet treats from this tradition often remain underappreciated.
With their unique blend of spices and sweet notes, Middle Eastern desserts are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to discover some of the most mouth-watering Middle Eastern desserts that deserve more recognition!
Mouhalabieh (Milk Pudding)
Favored by many in the Middle East, mouhalabieh is an incredibly popular chilled milk pudding. Its unique texture is often compared to milk jelly, creating a distinctive rigid and springy consistency that’s simply irresistible. When sliced open, this delightful dessert reveals a treasure trove of flavors, including sweet jams, creamy fillings, and crunchy nuts like pistachios and cocoa.
Shaabiyat
Evidently a staple in the Middle Eastern cuisine, these small Lebanese pastries, also referred to as ‘warbat’, are widely recognized and enjoyed throughout the region. They are constructed with thin layers of delicate filo pastry, which is known for its flaky texture. The fillings typically consist of sweet ingredients such as custard, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or even types of sweet cheeses that are commonly referred to as ‘ashta’.
Baklava Rolls
Wrapped in a rich history, these traditional desserts have been a staple in Middle Eastern culture for centuries, dating back to the era of the Ottoman Empire.
Despite their long-standing presence, baklava rolls remain incredibly popular throughout Turkey and other parts of the region, where they are typically enjoyed as small filo pastries filled with an assortment of nuts and occasionally dried fruits – a similarity that can also be drawn with the traditional Christmas treats found in the United Kingdom and Europe, such as mince pies.
Mahalabia
Understanding the essence of Mahalabia, this dessert shares similarities with blancmange in its simplicity of ingredients, quick cooking time, and versatility in pairing flavors and additional ingredients. Although traditional recipes typically include cardamom, orange blossom water, rose water, and nuts to achieve a distinct botanical and fresh flavor profile that is undeniably delicious, it’s worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list of possible combinations.
The beauty of Mahalabia lies in its adaptability, allowing for endless creative possibilities while maintaining its unique charm.
Knafeh
Elevating its roots from the Coptic Egyptian word ‘kenephiten’, meaning ‘bread or cake’, knafeh has evolved into a beloved dessert throughout much of the Middle East. The pastry is spun into thin threads using kataifi, which is then soaked in attar – a sweet sugar-based syrup that infuses the dish with an intense flavor.
In its traditional form, knafeh often incorporates cheese, clotted cream, pistachios, or nuts depending on the regional preferences, and is typically presented in a wide, shallow dish for guests to indulge in.
Lokma
Taking their origins from ancient Mesopotamia, Lokma have been a staple sweet treat throughout the Middle East for centuries. These small pastries consist of leavened deep-fried balls of dough that resemble donuts in both taste and consistency. Traditionally, they are often sweetened with honey or syrup, making them a beloved snack among locals. Although their exact origins date back to at least the 13th century, Lokma’s enduring popularity is a testament to their timeless appeal.
Lebanese Rice Pudding
Often enjoyed throughout the Middle East, this traditional Lebanese rice pudding dish has remained a staple of many cuisines due to its simplicity and rich flavor profile. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla is expertly blended to create a sweet and comforting dessert that is elevated by various toppings, including dried apricots, lemons, rose water, orange blossom water, rose petals, or pistachio nuts.
This delightful treat has captured the hearts of many with its subtle yet satisfying flavor.
Ghraybeh
Highlighting the unique characteristics of Ghraybeh cookies, it’s clear why they’re a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. These shortbread-like treats are infused with an extra crunch from their sugar, pistachios, and almonds, making them a delightful and simple dessert option. With the flexibility to customize using various nuts, dried fruits, or other ingredients, Ghraybeh cookies can be tailored to suit any occasion or celebration, making them a versatile and tasty treat.
Halva
Understanding that the name ‘halva’ is commonly used across the Middle East to refer to confectionery, it’s worth noting that the traditional dish often associated with this term is typically a paste-based semolina treat. This dessert is made by combining finely ground seeds or nuts, and then drizzling them with honey or syrup to provide sweetness.
Fig Pastries
Year after year, you’ll find that one of the most beloved desserts in Middle Eastern culture remains a constant favorite. Using a combination of dried figs, cinnamon, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice, these sweet and tangy pastries are moreish little treats that are perfect for any occasion. They’re extremely common throughout the region, and have gained popularity worldwide, making them perhaps the most widely recognized dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Maamoul
Taking centre stage during Eid celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan, date-filled biscuits have become a beloved seasonal tradition across Muslim communities. These delightful pastries can be crafted in either simple round shapes or more elaborate forms, depending on the occasion, making them a versatile and mouth-watering treat that embodies the rich heritage of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Mesh Om Ali
Often considered one of the most beloved sweets in the region, this traditional pastry dessert has its roots in Egypt. Over time, it gained immense popularity throughout much of the Middle East, where its unique combination of flavors and textures quickly won over hearts and taste buds. This delightful treat is a masterful blend of pistachios, almonds, cashews, cinnamon, and fresh cream, making it a simple yet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion or celebration.
Lebanese Coconut Cookies
Naturally, one of the standout treats among these Lebanese delights is the akras jouz alhind, affectionately known as coconut cookies. These sweet bites have earned a firm place in many hearts and are arguably one of the most recognizable dishes on this list.Combining the richness of coconut with the sweetness of maraschino cherries, the subtlety of vanilla extract, and the tanginess of apricot jam creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that makes for a perfect feel-good snack.
Nan-E Nokhodchi
Joining in on the celebration of the Persian New Year, these traditional cookies are a must-have for any festive gathering. Made from chickpea flour, they are known as ‘bread of chickpea’ and typically paired with cardamom flowers and pistachio nuts to create an intricate and scrumptious flavor profile. Often cut into the shape of a clover, these sweet treats are one of the Seven Sweets consumed during this special occasion, which marks the legendary discovery of sugar by King Jamshid.
Whether you’re indulging in them as part of a cultural celebration or simply enjoying them as a tasty snack, these cookies are sure to delight.
Kaak
Loosely resembling a pretzel in both consistency and appearance, kaak is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread that offers a delightful culinary experience. Its characteristic teardrop shape, often accompanied by a central hole, makes it easy to handle and enjoy on its own or with your preferred dips and toppings, solidifying its position as an extremely versatile street food option.
Zlabia
A sweet and indulgent treat from the Middle East, zlabia are essentially bite-sized versions of traditional funnel cakes. Typically, they are served drizzled in a fragrant rose water syrup, sprinkled with a burst of citrus zest, or lightly dusted with powdered sugar for added texture and flavor.
Kataifi
Elevating the culinary traditions of Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East, kataifi is a dessert dumpling that consists of dough wrapped around a delightful mixture of spices, nuts, and honey syrup. Its sweet and savory flavors make it an ideal choice as canapés for social gatherings or as a central dish at family get-togethers, sure to leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert option or just want to try something new, kataifi is definitely worth exploring further.
Final Thoughts
Just as the sun sets over the vibrant cities of the Middle East, so too do the stars shine brightly in the world of desserts. These unique and delectable treats are often overlooked by international palates, but for those who crave a truly authentic after-dinner experience, why not give some of these ancient recipes a try? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
Directions
Join the fun by selecting one of the recipes listed, click on it to visit the official website, gather all the necessary ingredients, and then follow the cooking instructions. Once you’ve completed the dish, take a moment to appreciate your culinary creation – don’t forget to share your experience and leave a review for others to benefit from your feedback.
