Ramadan

Knafeh - I

July 13, 2015
Recipes, Vegetarian
Dessert, Middle Eastern, Ramadan, Pastry, Cheese

Kunafa #

This recipe uses vermicelli as a substitute for kataifi and ricotta with mozzarella in place of the cheeses.

Ingredients #

  • Kataifi – 200 g
  • Butter (unsalted) or Ghee – 50 g
  • Ricotta cheese – 200 g
  • Mozzarella (shredded) – 100 g

For the syrup #

  • Sugar – 1½ cups
  • Water – 1 cup
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Cinnamon stick – 1

For Garnish (optional, adjust as desired) #

  • Almonds – 5 (blanched)
  • Dates – 5 (dried and chopped)
  • Golden raisins – 10
  • Cashews – 5
  • Walnuts – 5
  • Green pistachios – 5

Recipe #

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
  2. Grease and line an 8-inch sandwich tin with baking paper, coating sides and base lightly with butter or baking spread.
  3. Break vermicelli into small pieces and roast in butter. Add 2 tablespoons of water if needed to soften, but avoid mushiness.
  4. Spread half of the vermicelli evenly in the baking dish and press down lightly.
  5. Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the vermicelli.
  6. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly over ricotta.
  7. Cover with remaining vermicelli.
  8. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the top is lightly golden-brown.

Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup: #

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat water over medium heat.

Date Truffles

May 24, 2018
Dessert, Iftar, No-Bake
Ramadan, Dates, Chocolate, Snacks, Kids

It’s a Ramadan special delight — a rich date and chocolate combination that’s not only loved by kids but also gets them excited to help out preparing for Iftaar. The bonus? It’s super quick and easy to make!

Ingredients #

  • Medjool dates (or any other soft dates) – 4 large
  • Almond powder (ground almonds) – 200g
  • Honey – 1 tbsp
  • Coconut oil – 1 tsp
  • Cinnamon powder – ½ tsp
  • Vanilla – ¼ tsp
  • Salt – a pinch
  • Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp (plus extra for rolling)

Recipe #

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms.
    (Add a teaspoon of water if the mixture is too stiff.)
  2. Scoop small amounts and roll into small balls using your hands.
  3. Place the truffles in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
  4. Roll the truffles lightly in cocoa powder before serving.

Note: Be cautious with the cocoa powder — too much can make them bitter (lesson learned!).