The addition of rose water or orange blossom water in Kunafa adds a floral and exotic flavour that is characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine
As Muslims across the world get ready to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, one of the most important Muslim festivals celebrated around the world with great enthusiasm. Eid marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when people devout fast from dawn till dusk, forgoing food and water in order to deepen their spiritually and develop compassion for the less fortunate. Eid Al Fitr, also called the ‘festival of breaking the fast’, is a happy occasion when families come together to express appreciation. The occasion also comes with its own share of a variety of most delectable cuisines. Here are some top culinary delights from the Arabian world to enjoy during Eid :
Umm Ali
The famous dish was named after the wife of the Egyptian Sultan
Legend has it that the dish, whose origins may be traced back to the mediaeval era in Egypt, was named after the wife of the Egyptian Sultan who challenged all of Egypt’s female cooks to compete and produce the most delectable dessert they could as a form of celebration. A classic Egyptian dish, Umm Ali is comparable to bread pudding or rice pudding. Puff pastry pieces, nuts such as almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts and a custard or milk pudding sweetened with sugar are layered to create the dish. After that, it is cooked until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Ouzi
The recipe’s Middle Eastern flair comes from a blend of sweet spices
Ouzi, Lebanese word for baked lamb and spiced rice, is a classic dish made of puff pastry packets encasing spicy rice along with carrots, peas, and pork. The recipe’s Middle Eastern flair comes from a blend of sweet spices that includes allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. A popular dish across several Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Iraq, it is said to be originally Turkish. Often served as a centrepiece dish, the pastry shell carefully crafted into a decorative shell and the filling arranged beautifully inside.
Balaleet
Balaleet is a delightful dessert that marks most Eid celebrations in the UAE
In the UAE, the sweet and savoury dish of Balaleet is a delightful dessert that marks most Eid celebrations. It is a traditional breakfast comprising the aromatic trio of rosewater, saffron, and cardamom to the vermicelli. Roasted and boiled al dente, the vermicelli is then simmered in a mixture of butter, honey, rosewater, saffron, and cardamom, soaking up every flavour. This sweet delicacy is also reminiscent of the generosity and hospitality of the Emirati people during the festival season.
Shuwa
The intricate steps involved in making Shuwa renders it it’s beautiful aromas
Shuwa is one the special dishes that marks a typical Eid celebration in Oman. Prepared using marinated meat wrapped up in banana or palm leaves, the intricate next step involves slow cooking it in an underground oven to bring the magic of its delicate flavours. The end result is a succulent and flavorful meat that is incredibly tender and aromatic.
Its prominence during Eid Al-Fitr emphasises the value of eating together and enjoying the holidays with loved ones. Along with shuwa, traditional Omani foods that are frequently cooked for Eid Al-Fitr include madrouba, a savoury dish resembling risotto that is made with rice, pork, and spices, and halwa, a sweet dessert made with sugar, flour, and ghee.
Al-Kabsa
Al-Kabsa is a rice dish with a concoction of aromatic spices
Eid in Saudi Arabia is incomplete without the much-loved Al-Kabsa. Deeply ingrained in Saudi Arabian culture, Al-Kabsa is a meal that is frequently made for important occasions and celebrations, including Eid Al-Fitr. It is a rice dish with a range of aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves that is often prepared with chicken or lamb. Then this delicacy is topped with chopped parsley, raisins, and roasted almonds and is frequently accompanied by a spicy tomato sauce called shattah as well as a side of cucumber and tomato salad.
Basbousa
Basbousa is topped with nuts like almonds or pistachios and cut into diamond-shaped pieces
Basbousa, often referred to as Revani or Harissa, is a typical dessert that is loved in a number of the nations in the area, including Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. Semolina flour is used to make basbousa flavoured with a variety of ingredients including coconut, rosewater, or orange blossom water. The dish is typically topped with nuts like almonds or pistachios and cut into diamond-shaped pieces. Adding coconut, rosewater, or orange flower water creates a flavour that is fragrant and characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Kunafa
Kunafa is an art of shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup
A popular dessert in the region, Kunafa is native to Palestine, Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt. It is created from shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup that is flavoured with rose or orange blossom water. Crushed pistachios or other nuts are generally used as a garnish on the heated dessert. Its unique combination of textures and flavours is what distinguishes it. The shredded phyllo dough is crispy and crunchy, while the cheese adds a soft and creamy texture that contrasts with the sweetness of the syrup. The addition of rose water or orange blossom water adds a floral and exotic flavour that is characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
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