Arabian Crumble & Rose Water
“Khabees reminds me of a
Greek halva. Later, I came to
learn of its Ottoman roots,”
says the author of this recipe.
Khabees is flour-based, as
are so many desserts in the
Gulf, but in contrast to the
Mediterranean version, this
recipe calls for toasting the
flour, which gives the dish a
special depth and smokiness.
 |
Arabian Crumble
Khabees
Serves 4
Pinch of saffron strands
3 tablespoons rosewater
4 ounces sugar
3⁄4 cup water
1⁄2 teaspoon cardamom
powder
9 ounces all-purpose flour,
toasted
3⁄4 cup melted unsalted butter
or vegetable oil
Soak the saffron in the rosewater
for about 1 hour.
Bring the sugar and
plain water to a boil in a
medium pan. When the
sugar has dissolved, remove
the pan from the heat and
stir in the cardamom powder
and saffron/rosewater.
Toast the flour in a large
saucepan over medium
heat (it toasts more evenly
in a large pan). Stir regularly
until the flour is golden
brown and smells woody.
This can take up to 15 minutes.
Stir the melted butter
into the warm flour. The
flour will first form clumps.
Gradually add the sugared
water (it will splatter so be
careful), stirring continuously
until the water is absorbed
into a thick paste.
Continue to stir over the
heat for another minute or
until it can be turned cleanly
out of the pan. |
|
 |
Rose Water,
a Key to Healthy and
Green Living
What is it?
Pure rose water is liquid distilled
from roses. It smells heavenly and
tastes delicious.
Cooking delights:
It is used as a flavoring in
fancy Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern
pastries, puddings and cakes. (It is also used in
cosmetics for its lovely scent and as a gentle
astringent toner for dry skin.)
Caution:
Keep your antenna up when buying rose water.
The 100 percent pure form is the way to go. Many
pharmacies and some natural food stores sell synthetic
rose oil and water with preservatives added.
Where to get the real thing:
Besides health food stores
and herb stores, you can often find rose water in Middle
Eastern, Greek or Indian delicatessens or markets. |
You might also like:
MUST READ