Ghorayebah
These traditional Middle Eastern shortbread biscuits have a delicate, crumbly texture that dissolves in your mouth. Try this amazing recipe with just 3 ingredients.
Month: March 2025
Basbousa
Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern semolina cake known for its rich, moist texture and delicate sweetness. Infused with coconut and bathed in a fragrant sugar syrup, A must try recipe!
Baklava Boukage
Baklava Boukage Recipe
Baklava Boukage is a delightful pastry; a variation of classic baklava—simpler to prepare yet equally delicious. You can customize the filling with your choice of nuts and dried fruits. Walnuts and dates make a great combination, as do apricots and walnuts.
Makes approximately 45 pastries
Ingredients:
Pastry:
- 1 pack filo pastry (keep covered to prevent drying)
- 1 cup melted butter
Filling:
- 400g walnuts (or preferred nuts)
- 100g soft dates, pitted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- ½ cup honey
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush a 20cm x 30cm baking tray with melted butter.
2. Make the Filling:
- Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Set aside ¼ of the nuts.
- Blend the dates into a paste.
- Combine the date paste, ¾ of the chopped nuts, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Assemble the Pastries:
- Unroll the filo pastry and keep it covered with cling film or a damp towel.
- Lay one sheet on a clean surface, brush with melted butter, and repeat until you have 8 layers.
- Cut into 8cm squares (3 strips lengthwise and 5 widthwise).
- Place a dessert spoon of the filling in the center of each square and sprinkle with reserved nuts.
- Lift and fold the corners towards the center, enclosing the filling.
- Arrange pastries on the prepared tray and brush the tops lightly with butter.
- Repeat until all filo and filling are used.
4. Bake:
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
5. Make the Syrup:
- While baking, combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Add vanilla, lemon zest, and honey, then simmer for 20 minutes until it thickens to a runny honey consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the Baklava Boukage pastries are baked, drizzle hot syrup over them while still hot.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Do not refrigerate; this hardens the butter layers.
- Best enjoyed the same day or the next day for optimal crispness.
Rice Pudding
This is Rice Pudding like you’ve never tasted before: A delicate and refreshing twist on a classic dessert, this Chilled Rose-Scented Rice Pudding is infused with the subtle floral notes of rose water and boasts a silky, creamy texture.
Ramadan Sohoor
Ramadan Sohoor : The nutritious meal that sustains those fasting through Ramadan. Get these great recipes.
Ramadan Sweet Treats
Ramadan Sweet Treats are very much part of the Ramadan celebrations.
In Egypt, the arrival of Ramadan brings not only a spiritual atmosphere but also the irresistible aroma of sweet treats wafting through homes and bustling streets. In the evenings, street vendors line the roads preparing delicious sweet treats.
They expertly fry Atayef, small stuffed pancakes filled with nuts or sweet cheese, before dunking them into fragrant syrup.
Zalabya, sweet, doughnut-like nuggets the size of large marbles are fried by vendors until they are perfectly golden, they then bathe them in sweet aromatic syrup.
Kunafa, with its crispy golden layers of shredded filo dough wrapped around nuts or creamy fillings, and soaked in fragrant syrup, glisten in shop windows, alongside Basbousa, a semolina cake infused with coconut and sweetened with sugar syrup, which is another staple found on nearly every Egyptian table during Ramadan.
These desserts are not just indulgences but are deeply tied to the spirit of togetherness, as families gather to prepare and share these sweets, making them an essential part of Egypt’s Ramadan traditions.
The magic of Ramadan sweets isn’t just found in markets—it’s woven into the heart of Egyptian homes. Grandmothers, aunts, mothers, and sisters gather in kitchens, rolling out vast trays of Kahk, the powdered sugar-dusted butter cookies filled with dates, nuts, or sweet honey paste, Mamoul with its wonderful date filling and Ghoreyebah, beautiful melt-in-the-mouth button shortbread-like cookies.
These delicate biscuits are lovingly prepared for Iftar and also in anticipation of Eid , the celebration marking the end of the Fast. These biscuits are stored in large tins to welcome guests with generosity and joy.
The act of making these treats together is more than just a culinary tradition; it’s a cherished ritual of bonding, laughter, and storytelling, ensuring that the flavours of Ramadan are passed down through generations.
Desserts such as Rice pudding, Amadene and Mahalabeya are also favourites over Ramadan
Ramadan Sweet Treats are a Symbol of Celebration and Gratitude
- Ramadan is a month of spiritual discipline, self-reflection, and fasting from dawn to sunset.
- The act of breaking the fast (Iftar) is a moment of gratitude, and sweet treats symbolize joy and appreciation for the blessings received.
- Many families prepare special sweets only during Ramadan, making them highly anticipated and cherished.
Sweet Treats are Great for Sharing and to Show Generosity
- One of the core values of Ramadan is generosity, and sharing sweets with neighbours, friends, and the less fortunate is a common practice.
- Many communities organize charity iftars where traditional sweets are distributed to those in need.
They Show Hospitality and Help Re-Inforce Family Bonds
- Sweets play a key role in social gatherings, strengthening bonds between family and friends.
- In many households, generations come together to prepare traditional sweets, passing down recipes and techniques.
- Offering sweets to guests is a sign of hospitality and warmth, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness that defines Ramadan.
Sweet Treats Symbolise Sweetness and Spiritual Reflection
- Sweet flavours are often associated with the sweetness of faith, kindness, and good deeds during Ramadan.
- The act of indulging in a sweet treat after a day of fasting is a reminder of the balance between discipline and the enjoyment of life’s blessings.
- Many sweets contain ingredients like dates and honey, which hold spiritual and historical significance in Islamic tradition.
Whether you’re observing Ramadan or simply exploring Middle Eastern cuisine, these dishes offer a taste of tradition and nourishment. May this Holy month bring peace, reflection, and togetherness to all who celebrate.
Home-made Yoghurt
Making homemade yogurt is easier than you might think and requires just a few ingredients. Not only is it a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, flavours, and consistency to suit your taste.
Ramadan Iftar Drinks
Ramadan Iftar drinks are so special. After a long day of fasting, a refreshing cold drink feels like a true blessing. Try these special recipes.
Iftar Meals for Ramadan
Celebratory Iftar Meals for Ramadan
Iftar meals for Ramadan are the evening meals that break the Fast during Ramadan.
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and communal connection. It is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, with Iftar—the evening meal that breaks the fast—serving as a daily moment of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. More than just a meal, Iftar holds deep cultural and social significance, especially in Egypt, where food and hospitality are at the heart of society.
In Egypt, hospitality is not merely a custom but a deeply ingrained value that defines social interactions. During Ramadan, this sense of generosity and warmth is heightened, as families, friends, and even strangers gather to share in the blessings of Iftar. Whether in homes, mosques, or public spaces, the act of offering food to others is seen as a noble gesture, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and community.
Family and Social Gatherings to Share Iftar Meals
Iftar in Egypt is much more than just a meal; it is a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together in a spirit of love, gratitude, and unity. Throughout Ramadan, homes are filled with the sounds of laughter, the aroma of slow-cooked dishes, and the warmth of hospitality as families prepare to break their fast together. The act of sharing Iftar strengthens familial bonds and provides an opportunity for loved ones to reconnect, often after long days of fasting and worship.
Hosting large gatherings is common, with tables set for 15, 20, or even 30 people, including extended family, friends, neighbours, and sometimes even strangers who are welcomed with open arms. Preparing for such feasts is a collective effort, with family members pitching in to cook, set the table, and ensure everything is ready before the Maghrib Adhan. Traditional homes are often arranged with large dining spaces to accommodate these occasions, while in smaller homes, hosts make creative use of space by arranging extra seating or serving meals in a buffet style.
The meal itself is a joyous occasion, filled with conversation, storytelling, and expressions of gratitude. The breaking of the fast typically begins with dates and water or juice, followed by soups and light appetizers before moving on to the heartier main dishes. Elderly family members are given a place of honor at the table, and children experience the warmth of family traditions, learning the values of generosity and togetherness.
Beyond private homes, social gatherings extend to mosques and community centers, where people come together to share Iftar in a more communal setting. Many families also take turns hosting one another throughout the month, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness continues night after night. This culture of hospitality reflects the deep-rooted Egyptian tradition of generosity, where no one is left to break their fast alone.
Planning Meals for Ramadan
When planning Iftar meals in Egypt, practicality is key, as dishes must be ready and on the table the moment the Adhan for Maghrib is called.
Iftar Meals for Ramadan need to be both easy to prepare in advance, given the large gatherings typical at this time which often include 15, 20, or even 30 guests , and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Traditional favourites like fattah , a hearty dish of layered rice, crispy bread, and slow-cooked meat topped with a tangy tomato and garlic sauce, are perfect for feeding large groups.
Mahshi (stuffed vegetables) is another popular choice since it can be prepped in advance and cooked just before Iftar, making it both convenient , delicious and never fails to impress.
Grilled and roasted meats, such as kofta, lamb shank, or whole roasted chicken, are also popular as they can be marinated hours ahead for maximum flavour.
A staple at many Iftar tables is Molokhiya, a rich garlicky green soup served with rice and meat, offering both comfort and tradition.
To round out the meal, generous platters of fresh salads, pickles, and ghoulash (savory stuffed pastry) add variety and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These dishes not only capture the warmth of Egyptian hospitality but also allow hosts to focus on welcoming their guests rather than last-minute cooking.
Sobia
Sobia – A creamy coconut-based drink, loved for its unique flavor and texture. Made by blending coconut milk with rice flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla.