Omani Halwa (sweet gelatinous dessert)

Recipe No.: G-39

Gulf150 minServes 20

Omani halwa is among the best-known symbols of hospitality in Oman, served with Omani coffee at Eid, weddings and when receiving guests. It is made from sugar, starch and ghee with rose water, cardamom, saffron and nuts. Some sources say it is older than 700 years, but no precise writings fix its beginning.

Ingredients for Omani Halwa

• 2 cupssugar (400 g)
• 3 cupswater
• ½ cupcornstarch (70 g), dissolved in ¾ cup cold water
• ¾ cupmelted cow ghee (170 g)
• 1 tspground cardamom and ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• A pinch ofsaffron steeped in ¼ cup rose water
• ½ cuptoasted almonds, pistachios and sesame seeds
• Ghee to grease the tray

Method

1. Boil the water and sugar in a wide heavy pot until the sugar dissolves.
2. Skim any impurities, lower the heat and add the starch mixture gradually, stirring constantly.
3. Keep stirring on low heat for 40 minutes until thick and glossy.
4. Add the ghee in small batches (¼ cup at a time), stirring until absorbed.
5. Add the cardamom, saffron and rose water and keep stirring 30 minutes until it leaves the sides and a shiny layer of ghee shows.
6. Fold in the nuts, pour into a greased tray, cool and cut.

Try the interactive Chef Meerath on the main site · هذه الوصفة بالعربية