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Eid is here, and two popular desserts that are often enjoyed during this festive occasion are Maamoul and Sheer Khurma. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful treats at home
Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a joyous occasion for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and indulge in delicious treats.
This year, why not impress your loved ones with homemade Maamoul and Sheer Khurma? These classic Eid desserts are not only flavorful but also hold cultural significance, making them the perfect addition to your festive table.
Maamoul
Maamoul is a popular Middle Eastern cookie filled with dates, walnuts, or pistachios. It’s traditionally made during Ramadan and Eid celebrations. The dough is made from semolina flour, butter, and sugar, while the filling can vary based on personal preference. Here’s how to make Maamoul:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups fine semolina flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
For the Date Filling:
- 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, orange blossom water, rosewater, and activated yeast mixture. Mix well until it forms a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the date filling by combining chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions. Take one portion of the dough and flatten it gently using your fingers or a rolling pin. Place about a teaspoon of the prepared date filling in the center and seal the edges by bringing them together to form a half-moon shape. Gently press down on the sealed edge to ensure proper adhesion. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Using a Maamoul mold or fork, create intricate patterns on each cookie. Arrange the shaped cookies onto the greased baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they turn light golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats as part of your Eid festivities!
Sheer Khurma
Sheer Khurma is a creamy vermicelli pudding commonly enjoyed during Eid ul-Fitr across South Asia. Made with milk, sugar, vermicelli noodles, dried fruits, and nuts, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s our recipe for Sheer Khurma:
Ingredients
- 1-liter whole milk
- 1/2 cup fine vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron
Instructions
- Soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and keep aside.
- Heat ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the vermicelli noodles and fry them until they become lightly golden brown. Remove the roasted vermicelli from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced almonds, cashew nuts, and pistachios. Roast them on low heat until they release their aroma and attain a slightly golden hue. Transfer the roasted nuts to a plate, leaving behind any residual ghee.
- To the same pan, pour the remaining milk along with sugar, raisins, fried vermicelli, and the soaked saffron with its milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Cook uncovered for around 15-20 minutes, allowing the vermicelli to soften and absorb some of the milk.
- Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well. Pour the sheer khurma into individual bowls, top with the previously roasted nuts, and serve either warm or chilled according to your preference.
Conclusion: Make Maamoul and Sheer Khurma Recipes for Eid Celebration
These two classic dessert recipes are sure to elevate your Eid celebrations. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy homemade maamoul and sheer khurma that taste even better than store-bought options. Wishing you all a happy and blessed Eid Mubarak!
Eid Self-Care Tips: Maintain Your Wellbeing After Ramadan
This article provides insightful tips for both individuals and families to practice self-care during Eid al-Fitr. We’ll explore strategies for managing stress, maintaining healthy eating habits, prioritizing sleep, and finding moments of peace amidst the festivities.