Gamatte Nido

Gamatte Nido Recipe: A Traditional Omani Dessert

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gamatte Nido is a delicious and traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with powdered milk, eggs, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. These sweet and creamy balls are fried to perfection and then soaked in a fragrant syrup, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

History

Gamatte Nido has been a popular dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine for many years. The name "Gamatte Nido" translates to "rolled milk" in Arabic, referring to the process of rolling the milk mixture into balls before frying. This dessert is often served during special occasions and celebrations, bringing joy and sweetness to those who enjoy it.

Ingredients

2 cups of full cream powdered milk
1 tbsp of baking powder
2 beaten eggs
about 6 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp of ground cardamom
saffron thread or powder

How to prepare

Mix the powdered milk with baking powder.
Then add the eggs and 4 tbsp of oil.
Mix well and form into 0.5 inch balls by rolling in your hands.
If the mixture becomes too dry to roll, add a little more beaten egg.
In a pan, combine the sugar with 1.5 cups of water, the cardamom, and the saffron.
Boil for 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool until warm (but no longer hot).
In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-low heat.
Add half of the balls.
Cook until the balls are a light brown on all sides.
Do this by constantly tilting and turning the pan, so the balls continually roll around from one side to another.
Place the balls in the warm syrup.
Allow them to remain in the syrup for about five minutes or until you have finished frying the second half of the balls.
Remove from the syrup and drain on tissue or kitchen paper.
Cover with another piece of tissue or kitchen paper and allow to sit for at least three hours before serving.
Enjoy! It is hard to keep your hands off these ones!

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the milk mixture for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the powdered milk with baking powder thoroughly to ensure the balls are light and fluffy.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough and dense balls.

- Fry the balls in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don't overcrowd the pan.

- Allow the balls to soak in the syrup for at least five minutes to absorb the flavors and become moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gamatte Nido warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Frying, boiling, mixing, rolling

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond or coconut milk powder instead of regular powdered milk for a dairy-free version.

- Replace the vegetable oil with melted butter or ghee for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the milk mixture and syrup ahead of time and fry the balls just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Gamatte Nido balls on a decorative platter and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Gamatte Nido with a cup of Turkish coffee or Moroccan mint tea for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Gamatte Nido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gamatte Nido contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gamatte Nido contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gamatte Nido contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gamatte Nido contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gamatte Nido is a good source of calcium and vitamin D due to the powdered milk used in the recipe.

Alergens

Gamatte Nido contains dairy (powdered milk) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gamatte Nido is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats but also provides some essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

Summary

Gamatte Nido is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and sweet syrup, these fried milk balls are a treat for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe with family and friends for a taste of the Middle East.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My mother, Nonna Maria, was a wonderful cook and she passed down her love for cooking to me.

One summer afternoon, I was helping Nonna Maria harvest tomatoes from our garden when she suddenly stopped and said, "Let's make something special today, mia cara. I'm going to teach you how to make Gamatte Nido."

I had never heard of Gamatte Nido before, but I was eager to learn. Nonna Maria explained that it was a traditional Italian dish that was made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. She said that it was a simple but flavorful dish that was perfect for summer.

We spent the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping tomatoes, mincing garlic, and tearing basil leaves. Nonna Maria showed me how to sauté the garlic in olive oil until it was golden brown, then add the tomatoes and basil. She let the sauce simmer on the stove for hours, until it was thick and rich.

When it was finally ready, Nonna Maria cooked some pasta and tossed it with the sauce. The scent of the tomatoes and basil filled the kitchen, making my mouth water. I took a bite of the pasta and was instantly transported to heaven. The flavors were bright and fresh, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. It was the best pasta I had ever tasted.

From that day on, Gamatte Nido became a staple in our household. Nonna Maria would make it whenever we had a surplus of tomatoes from the garden, or whenever we needed a comforting meal. It became my favorite dish, and I would often request it for my birthday or special occasions.

As I grew older and left Italy to start my own family, I took the recipe for Gamatte Nido with me. I shared it with my husband and children, who all loved it as much as I did. Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about it. They always ask me for the recipe, and I am happy to pass it along. I feel proud to carry on the tradition of making Gamatte Nido, just like Nonna Maria did with me.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the scent of tomatoes and basil, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Gamatte Nido has become a part of who I am, a link to my heritage and a reminder of the love and care that Nonna Maria put into her cooking. I am grateful for her guidance and for the memories we shared in the kitchen, and I will continue to make Gamatte Nido for years to come. It is a dish that brings me joy and comfort, and I hope that it will do the same for my children and grandchildren. Buon appetito!