Halawa Mishmish

Halawa Mishmish Recipe – Traditional Arabian Apricot Dessert

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 20

Introduction

Halawa Mishmish is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet treat made from dried apricots. This delicious dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a burst of fruity flavor.

History

Halawa Mishmish has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. The combination of dried apricots and pistachios creates a unique and flavorful dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried apricots
confectioners' sugar
about 25 shelled pistachios to decorate

How to prepare

Do not soak or wash the apricots, as it will result in a creamy texture.
Place the apricots in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste is formed. If needed, add a small amount of water, teaspoon by teaspoon.
Wash your hands and lightly wet or grease them with a little oil to prevent the paste from sticking. Take small portions of the paste and roll them into marble-sized balls.
Coat the balls with confectioners' sugar and gently press half a pistachio on top of each ball.

Variations

Mix 0.5 cup of coarsely chopped pistachios with 2 tbsp of sugar.
Make a small hole in the center of each apricot ball, place a small amount of the filling inside, seal the hole, and roll in confectioners' sugar.
Incorporate 0.5 cup of coarsely chopped pistachios into the apricot paste by kneading with your hands.
Try adding a sprinkle of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the apricot paste for added flavor. You can also experiment with different types of nuts for decorating the apricot balls.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Halawa Mishmish, be sure not to soak or wash the apricots as this will affect the texture of the final product. Additionally, lightly wetting or greasing your hands with oil will help prevent the apricot paste from sticking to your hands while rolling the balls.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Halawa Mishmish as a sweet treat after a Middle Eastern meal or as a snack with tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Using a food processor to blend the dried apricots into a smooth paste will help create the perfect texture for rolling into balls.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried apricots on hand, you can also use dried figs or dates to make a similar sweet treat.

Make Ahead Tips

Halawa Mishmish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the apricot balls on a decorative platter and garnish with additional pistachios for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Halawa Mishmish with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover apricot balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halawa Mishmish contains approximately 100 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dessert that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halawa Mishmish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Halawa Mishmish is a low-fat dessert, with each serving containing only a small amount of fat from the pistachios used to decorate the apricot balls.

Proteins

Each serving of Halawa Mishmish contains a small amount of protein from the pistachios, providing a satisfying crunch and added nutritional value to this sweet treat.

Vitamins and minerals

Dried apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Pistachios are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making Halawa Mishmish a nutritious dessert option.

Alergens

Halawa Mishmish contains pistachios, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving this dessert to guests.

Summary

Halawa Mishmish is a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is low in fat and calories while providing a good source of vitamins and minerals from the dried apricots and pistachios.

Summary

Halawa Mishmish is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dessert made from dried apricots and pistachios. This sweet treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a burst of fruity flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima in her tiny village in Lebanon. Fatima was known for her delicious cooking, and I had always admired the way she effortlessly whipped up the most incredible dishes with just a handful of ingredients.

On this particular day, Fatima invited me into her kitchen to help her make a traditional Lebanese dessert called Halawa Mishmish. I had never heard of it before, but I was eager to learn. As we gathered the ingredients - dried apricots, sugar, water, and a touch of rose water - Fatima began to tell me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that Halawa Mishmish was a dish that had been passed down through generations in her family. It was a recipe that had been perfected over time, with each new cook adding their own twist to make it truly unique. Fatima’s version of the dessert was especially dear to her heart, as it was a dish that her grandmother had taught her to make when she was just a young girl.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Fatima shared stories of her childhood and the memories she had of cooking with her grandmother. She spoke of the love and care that went into every dish, and how each recipe was a link to her family’s past.

I was moved by Fatima’s words, and as we finished making the Halawa Mishmish, I knew that I had been given a gift. Not just the recipe itself, but a piece of Fatima’s history and a connection to her family that I would cherish forever.

When I returned home, I couldn’t wait to try making the Halawa Mishmish on my own. I carefully followed the steps that Fatima had taught me, simmering the apricots in sugar and water until they were soft and sweet. I added a splash of rose water at the end, just as Fatima had done, and marveled at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious.

As I took my first bite of the Halawa Mishmish, I was transported back to Fatima’s kitchen in that tiny village in Lebanon. I could almost hear her grandmother’s voice guiding me through the recipe, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned something so special from such a wonderful friend.

Since that day, Halawa Mishmish has become a staple in my own kitchen. I make it for special occasions, and sometimes just to treat myself to a taste of Lebanon. Each time I make it, I think of Fatima and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through this simple yet beautiful dessert.

I am grateful for the day that I found this recipe, and for the opportunity to learn from someone as talented and kind as Fatima. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but now it holds even more meaning as I carry on the tradition of Halawa Mishmish in my own family.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to those we love. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned in the kitchen, and for the friendships that have blossomed over shared recipes and shared meals.

Halawa Mishmish will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories and stories that it represents. And I will continue to make it with love and care, honoring the tradition that was passed down to me by a dear friend on a warm summer day in a tiny village in Lebanon.