Sweets | Page 2 of 11
Daheen: Iraqi Sweet from the City of Najaf
Daheen is a traditional, high-calorie sweet originating from the southern Iraqi city of Najaf. Its name refers to the Arabic term for fat. The dessert has a specific consistency; the texture resembles dense fondant or semi-solid caramel. A mixture of wheat flour, sugar, milk, and a significant amount of clarified butter is used for preparation. Important ingredients include date syrup and shredded coconut.
Kaster: Iraqi Pudding
Kaster is an immensely popular Iraqi milk dessert. It is a local aromatic variation on classic instant pudding. Its base consists of British custard powder mixed with milk and sugar; Iraqis elevated this mixture by adding cardamom and rose water. It is always served chilled, often decorated with a layer of jelly or crunchy nuts.
Qurs Simsim: Traditional Middle Eastern Sesame Cookie
Qurs simsim is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet cookie. It is characterized by a crumbly texture and a rich layer of sesame seeds. The dough base consists of flour, sugar, and fat; specific spices add uniqueness. The citrus aroma of cardamom is dominant, complemented by anise and fennel.
Mann Al-Sama: Traditional Iraqi Nougat
Mann al-sama is a traditional Iraqi confection resembling a firm chewy nougat. It is richly filled with nuts and scented with cardamom. The name translates to manna from heaven, referring to the original key ingredient, which is a natural resin collected in mountainous regions. Its composition is very similar to Iranian gaz. The confection is durable and does not melt in the hot Iraqi climate.
Trileçe: Sponge Dessert with Balkan Roots
Trileçe is a light sponge dessert made from a fluffy sponge soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: cow's milk, condensed milk, and cream. After absorbing the milk mixture, the dessert becomes exceptionally juicy. It is served chilled, often topped with caramel or other syrups. In Albania, the Balkans, and Turkey, trileçe has become an integral part of local cuisine.
Tespixhe: Traditional Balkan Dessert
Tespixhe is a traditional Balkan dessert made from dough with nuts, soaked in sweet syrup. The dough is first cooked and only then baked. For many Albanians, tespixhe is a taste of home.
Haxhimakulle: Traditional Albanian Sweet From the City of Shkodër
Haxhimakulle is a traditional Albanian sweet. It is a round or elongated sponge cake soaked in sweet syrup. Haxhimakulle is associated with the city of Shkodër.
Saç Arası: Turkish Fried Walnut Coil
Saç arası is a traditional Turkish dessert from the city of Konya prepared from extremely thin dough, cream filling, and nuts. This sweet spiral is drenched in sugar syrup after baking. It is always served fresh and hot.
Sütlaç: Turkish Rice Pudding
Sütlaç is a traditional Turkish dessert prepared as a delicate creamy rice pudding. Its most famous version, called fırın sütlaç, is served in clay bowls and is further baked in the oven after cooking. Thanks to this, it acquires a typical dark skin with black blisters on the surface. The name itself literally translates to milk dish. Locals enjoy consuming it as a light finish to soothe the stomach after spicy meat dishes.
Zerde: Turkish Rice Pudding with Saffron
Zerde is a traditional Turkish rice pudding with saffron. Its origins date back to the Ottoman Empire. The name comes from the Persian word "zard," meaning yellow. Unlike the very similar Iranian dessert sholeh zard, zerde has a thinner consistency.