Khabeesa
Khabeesa Recipe: Sweet and Fragrant Vegetarian Dish from Oman
Introduction
Khabeesa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with cream of wheat, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices. This creamy and comforting dish is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
History
Khabeesa has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. It is a popular dessert that is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup of khabeesa (farina or "cream of wheat")
- 5 cups of milk
- 0.33 cup of sugar
- 1 tbsp of ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 2 tbsp of rose water
- 0.5 tsp of saffron powder or one big pinch of saffron threads
How to prepare
- Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest level and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm in individual bowls or on small dessert plates.
- Drizzle with butter, if desired.
Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- Top the khabeesa with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to stir the khabeesa frequently while it is simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- You can garnish the khabeesa with chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve khabeesa warm with a drizzle of butter on top. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a different sweetness.
Make Ahead Tips
Khabeesa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve khabeesa in decorative bowls or garnish with a sprinkle of ground pistachios or almonds for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Khabeesa pairs well with a hot cup of Arabic coffee or Moroccan mint tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover khabeesa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of khabeesa typically contains around 200-250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Khabeesa is a carbohydrate-rich dessert due to the cream of wheat and sugar content.
Fats
The butter in khabeesa adds a small amount of fat to the dish.
Proteins
There is a small amount of protein in khabeesa from the milk.
Vitamins and minerals
Khabeesa contains vitamins and minerals from the milk and spices used in the recipe.
Alergens
Khabeesa contains dairy and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Khabeesa is a delicious dessert that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in each serving.
Summary
Khabeesa is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Enjoy this creamy and aromatic dish as a sweet treat for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Khabeesa. I was a young girl, visiting my aunt in her village during the summer. My aunt was known for her delicious cooking, and she often shared her recipes with me. One day, she was preparing a traditional dessert called Khabeesa, and I was fascinated by the process.
I watched as my aunt mixed semolina, ghee, sugar, and cardamom in a large pot over a low flame. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. As the mixture thickened and turned a golden brown, my aunt added chopped nuts and dried fruits. The end result was a sweet, fragrant dessert that melted in your mouth.
I asked my aunt where she learned to make Khabeesa, and she told me that it was a family recipe passed down from her mother. She explained that each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it unique to our family. I was in awe of the history and tradition behind this simple dessert.
After that day, I made it a point to learn as much as I could about traditional recipes like Khabeesa. I asked my grandmother to teach me her favorite dishes, and I sought out cookbooks and cooking classes to expand my knowledge. Over the years, I collected recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met while traveling.
One of my favorite memories is of a trip to Morocco, where I met a woman named Fatima who shared her recipe for Khabeesa with me. She invited me into her home and showed me how to make the dessert from scratch. We toasted the semolina in a dry pan until it was golden brown, then added butter, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Fatima taught me to stir the mixture constantly so it wouldn't burn, and to add a splash of rose water at the end for a floral note.
The finished Khabeesa was unlike any I had tasted before. It was rich, buttery, and sweet, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon. I was grateful to Fatima for sharing her recipe with me, and I promised to pass it on to others in my own family.
As the years passed, I continued to experiment with different versions of Khabeesa. I added my own twist by incorporating orange zest and pistachios, or by serving it with a dollop of creamy yogurt on top. Each time I made the dessert, I felt connected to the long line of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through food.
Now, whenever I make Khabeesa for my own family, I think back to that summer day in my aunt's kitchen. I remember the smell of ghee and cardamom filling the air, and the sound of laughter as we shared stories and recipes. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and honor the women who came before me.
I am grateful for the many people who have shared their recipes with me over the years, and I hope to pass on the tradition of cooking to future generations. Khabeesa will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Categories
| Breakfast Recipes | Cardamom Recipes | Farina Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Omani Desserts | Omani Recipes | Omani Vegetarian | Rose Water Recipes | Saffron Recipes |