Dream Anjeer

Dream Anjeer Recipe - Delicious Omani Dessert with Figs, Almonds, Ghee, Cardamom, and Saffron

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Dream Anjeer is a delectable Indian sweet treat made with dried figs, walnuts, ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron. This rich and indulgent dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal.

History

Dream Anjeer has its origins in traditional Indian cuisine, where dried figs are often used in desserts for their natural sweetness and health benefits. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

12 dried figs
0.33 cup of chopped dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts, walnuts)
1 tsp of ghee
0.25 tsp of cardamom powder
a few strands of saffron
For the garnish
2 edible silver leaves

How to prepare

Blanch the figs in boiling water for approximately 2 minutes.
Drain and puree them using a food processor.
Combine the fig puree, dried fruits, ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron to create a soft dough.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring 4" x 3".
Garnish with silver leaves.
Cut the dough into squares measuring 1" x 1".

Variations

Add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute ghee with coconut oil for a dairy-free version of Dream Anjeer.
Experiment with different dried fruits, such as dates or apricots, to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the figs before pureeing them to soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Use a food processor to puree the figs and dried fruits to ensure a smooth and uniform texture.

- Adding a touch of ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron enhances the flavor of the Dream Anjeer and gives it a rich and aromatic taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dream Anjeer as a sweet ending to a traditional Indian meal or as a special treat for a festive occasion. Pair it with a cup of hot chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the figs before pureeing them helps to soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Rolling out the dough into a rectangle and cutting it into squares gives Dream Anjeer its signature shape and presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnuts on hand, you can substitute them with almonds or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

- Use coconut oil instead of ghee for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Dream Anjeer can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply garnish with silver leaves before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the squares of Dream Anjeer on a decorative platter and garnish with edible silver leaves for an elegant and festive presentation. Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dream Anjeer with a cup of hot chai or a glass of sweet lassi for a traditional Indian dessert experience. For a modern twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Dream Anjeer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dream Anjeer contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dream Anjeer contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, making it a sweet and satisfying dessert option.

Fats

With the addition of walnuts and ghee, Dream Anjeer is a rich source of healthy fats, providing approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Dream Anjeer contains around 2 grams of protein per serving, making it a delicious and nutritious dessert option.

Vitamins and minerals

Dried figs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts), ghee, and edible silver leaves, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Dream Anjeer is a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Dream Anjeer is a delightful Indian sweet treat made with dried figs, walnuts, ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron. This rich and indulgent dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal. Enjoy the sweet and aromatic flavors of this traditional recipe with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Dream Anjeer. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in a small village in India. My aunt was known for her incredible cooking skills, and one day she decided to teach me how to make this special dessert.

As we gathered the ingredients, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the recipe. Just a few basic ingredients – dried figs, nuts, and sugar – were all that was needed to create this delicious treat. But as my aunt began to explain the intricacies of the recipe, I realized that there was much more to it than meets the eye.

The first step was to soak the dried figs in warm water until they plumped up and softened. As we waited for them to soak, my aunt shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Dream Anjeer from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

According to my aunt, the key to making the perfect Dream Anjeer was to use the best quality dried figs, preferably ones that were organic and sun-dried. She explained that the natural sweetness of the figs was essential to the flavor of the dessert, and that using inferior ingredients would result in a less-than-perfect final product.

After the figs had soaked for a while, we drained them and began to chop them into small pieces. My aunt showed me how to carefully remove the seeds from the figs, as they can be quite tough and unpleasant to eat. Once the figs were chopped and seed-free, we mixed them with a generous amount of sugar and a handful of crushed nuts.

As we stirred the mixture together, the sweet aroma of the figs and nuts filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation about the final result. My aunt explained that the mixture needed to cook slowly over a low flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sugar to caramelize.

After what seemed like an eternity of stirring and cooking, the mixture had thickened and turned a deep golden brown. My aunt carefully spooned the hot mixture onto a greased tray and spread it out evenly, allowing it to cool and set.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived – it was time to taste the Dream Anjeer. As I took my first bite, I was overwhelmed by the rich, sweet flavor of the dessert. The figs were tender and bursting with sweetness, while the nuts added a satisfying crunch to each bite.

I couldn't believe that such a simple recipe could result in such a decadent and delicious dessert. I thanked my aunt profusely for teaching me how to make Dream Anjeer, and vowed to carry on the tradition by making it for my own family and friends.

To this day, whenever I make Dream Anjeer, I am reminded of that special day in my aunt's kitchen, learning the secrets of this wonderful recipe. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories and traditions that it represents. And I hope that one day, I will be able to pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, just as my aunt did for me.