Helawat al Jazr

Helawat al Jazr Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Helawat al Jazr is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with carrots, sugar, milk, and aromatic spices. This sweet and creamy dish is a popular treat during special occasions and celebrations.

History

Helawat al Jazr has its origins in the Middle East, where carrots have long been used in both savory and sweet dishes. This dessert is believed to have been created as a way to make use of the abundance of carrots in the region and to satisfy the region's sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) carrots, peeled and finely grated
1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
2 cups low-fat milk
0.25 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp grated lemon peel
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour

Garnish

How to prepare

Steam the carrots with the sugar, milk, cardamom, and lemon peel for approximately 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
Transfer the mixture into a sieve, pressing firmly on the carrots to extract all the liquid.
Set aside the liquid.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour.
Add the carrots to the saucepan, stirring to coat them with the flour mixture, and cook for 3 or 4 minutes.
Pour the reserved cooking liquid over the carrots, mix well, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Divide the mixture into individual serving dishes and garnish with nuts and raisins.

Variations

Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral flavor.
Substitute the nuts and raisins with dried fruit or coconut flakes for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely grate the carrots to ensure they cook evenly and have a smooth texture.

- Pressing firmly on the carrots in the sieve will help extract all the liquid, resulting in a more concentrated flavor.

- Stir the flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Garnish with a variety of nuts and raisins for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Helawat al Jazr warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the carrots with the sugar, milk, and spices helps to infuse the flavors and soften the carrots for a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative.

- Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Helawat al Jazr can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Helawat al Jazr in individual ramekins or dessert bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of nuts and raisins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Helawat al Jazr with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee for a traditional Middle Eastern dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 240 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 210% DV

Vitamin C: 10% DV

Calcium: 15% DV

Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk) and nuts (pine nuts, pistachios, almonds)

Summary

Helawat al Jazr is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of vitamin A and calcium.

Summary

Helawat al Jazr is a delicious and comforting dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of carrots. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during one of my travels to Morocco, a country known for its rich culinary heritage. I had stumbled upon a bustling market in Marrakech, where the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of spices filled the air. As I wandered through the narrow alleyways, I came across a small stall run by a kind old woman who was selling an array of traditional Moroccan sweets.

Intrigued by the delicious-looking treats on display, I struck up a conversation with the woman and asked her about the recipe for one particular dessert that caught my eye – Helawat al Jazr, also known as Moroccan carrot cookies. She smiled warmly and invited me to watch as she prepared a batch right then and there.

As I observed her meticulous technique, I realized that this recipe was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The combination of carrots, almonds, and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg created a unique flavor profile that was both savory and sweet. The addition of orange blossom water and honey added a delicate floral note that elevated the cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

After tasting a freshly baked Helawat al Jazr, I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. The old woman graciously shared her recipe with me, along with some invaluable tips and tricks that she had mastered over the years. I scribbled down every detail in my trusty recipe journal, determined to recreate the magic of these Moroccan carrot cookies in my own kitchen.

Back home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work. As I grated the carrots and ground the almonds, the familiar scents of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to that bustling market in Marrakech. I followed the old woman's instructions to the letter, careful to measure each ingredient with precision and to knead the dough just so.

As the Helawat al Jazr baked in the oven, I anxiously awaited the moment of truth. Would they turn out as delicious as the ones I had tasted in Morocco? When I finally pulled them out of the oven and took a bite, I was met with a burst of flavor that made my taste buds sing. The cookies were perfectly spiced, with a tender crumb and a hint of sweetness that lingered on the palate.

From that day on, Helawat al Jazr became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often bake them for family gatherings and special occasions, delighting my loved ones with the exotic flavors of Morocco. Each time I made them, I would remember the kind old woman in Marrakech who had shared her recipe with me, and I would be grateful for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment.

As I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that they will appreciate not only the flavors of Helawat al Jazr but also the story behind it. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it is about creating memories, forging connections, and honoring the traditions of those who came before us. And for me, this recipe will always be a reminder of the day when I discovered the magic of Moroccan cuisine in a small market stall in Marrakech.