حلوى الجبنة العربية – اكتشاف بهجة شرق أوسطية لذيذة

Arabic cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavours, and when it comes to desserts, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. One particular dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many is the Arabic cheese dessert. 

This delectable treat combines the creaminess of cheese with the crispiness of pastry, resulting in an indulgent, mouth-watering experience.

Among the most well-known Arabic cheese desserts is Knafeh, a traditional حلوى الشرق الأوسط originating from the Levant region. Knafeh uses a cheese filling and a crunchy topping of shredded phyllo, also known as kataifi pastry. 

Soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup called attar, Knafeh often includes other ingredients like clotted cream or pistachios, depending on regional variations.

Another popular Arabic cheese dessert is Halawet El Jibn, which features rolls of sweet cheese dough stuffed with clotted cream and topped with pistachios and rose petal jam. 

This dessert is not only visually appealing, but also offers a symphony of flavours – the sweetness of the syrup and jam, the cool creaminess of the clotted cream, and the subtle crunch of pistachios.

Background of Arabic Cheese Dessert

Arabic cheese desserts have a rich history in the culinary world of the Middle East. They come in various forms, flavours, and textures, offering a delightful experience to your taste buds. 

As you explore these delicious treats, you will find that many of them have their roots in distinct regions, reflecting the taste of local culture. Some popular Arabic cheese desserts include Kanafeh, Baklava, Warbat and Kadayif.

Kanafeh, for instance, is an iconic dessert in the العالم العربي, originating from Palestine, and it is valued for its unique taste. Its delectable combination of cheese, shredded phyllo dough, and pistachio nuts, topped with aromatic syrup, has made it famous across the Middle East. 

Now, Kanafeh has found its way into the hearts of dessert lovers around the world.

Another enticing Arabic cheese dessert is Baklava, a popular sweet treat that has its roots in the Ottoman Empire. This flaky pastry is made up of layers of phyllo dough filled with a mouthwatering mix of cheese, chopped nuts, sugar, and spices. The final touch consists of fragrant syrup that adds a lovely sweetness to the dessert.

Warbat and Kadayif are two more Arabic cheese desserts that have gained recognition in the culinary world. Warbat is a kind of pastry filled with softened cheese, while Kadayif is a delicate, thread-like pastry dessert filled with cheese and often coated in syrup and crushed pistachios.

As you try these scrumptious Arabic cheese desserts, you will appreciate the skill and creativity that goes into their preparation. From the cheese mixing to the elaborate layering of phyllo dough and the final drizzling of syrup, these desserts showcase the rich culinary culture of the Arab world.

Basic Components of Arabic Cheese Dessert

When exploring Arabic cheese desserts, you’ll come across many delightful options. While each unique dessert has its specific characteristics, they often share some basic components that you need to be aware of:

Cheese: 

A key ingredient in many Arabic desserts is cheese and different types are used depending on the recipe. For Knafeh, a semi-soft cheese like Akkawi, Mozzarella, or Nabulsi is commonly preferred, whereas Halawet Aljibn requires sweet cheese paired with semolina.

Semolina: 

Another common ingredient is semolina, a coarse flour made of durum wheat. It gives these desserts their structure and unique, slightly grainy texture. Semolina is essential in Halawet Aljibn and is incorporated into the dough.

Sugar Syrup: 

The sweetness in Arabic cheese desserts mainly comes from sugar syrup. This syrup—made of sugar, and water, and typically enhanced with rose water or orange blossom water—is drizzled over the desserts or used in their preparation. It adds a delightful touch of floral flavour and an extra layer of sweetness.

Pistachios and other nuts: 

A common component of Arabic desserts is the use of nuts, especially pistachios, for topping. These nuts give the desserts an extra crunch and flavour contrast that beautifully pairs with the sweetness of the syrup and the creaminess of the cheese.

You’ll find that these basic components can be adapted and combined into various unique and mouthwatering Arabic cheese desserts. As you try various recipes, you’ll become more confident and knowledgeable in your understanding of these delicious treats, enabling you to create exceptional desserts of your own.

Popular Types of Arabic Cheese Desserts

Arabic cuisine is known for its delicious and diverse desserts, with many featuring cheese as a key ingredient. In this section, we will introduce you to three popular Arabic cheese desserts: Kunafa, Halawet El Jibn, and Mafroukeh.

كنافة

Kunafa is undoubtedly one of the most famous Arabic desserts, widely enjoyed in various Arab nations. At its core, this dessert consists of a layer of mild, melted cheese sandwiched between two layers of crispy, shredded pastry. 

The pastry layers are typically soaked in a sweet syrup flavoured with rose or orange water. To prepare Kunafa, you’ll need:

• Cheese, such as Nabulsi or Akkawi
• Shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) or fine semolina
• Melted butter or ghee
• Sugar syrup (with rose or orange water)

Baking is necessary to achieve the perfect golden crust and to melt the cheese. Serve this delicious dessert either warm or cold, and you may even garnish it with chopped pistachios for added texture and flavour.

Halawet El Jibn

Halawet El Jibn, or sweet cheese rolls, is another delightful Arabic dessert. These rolls are made from a soft, chewy dough prepared with semolina (or sometimes rice flour) and filled with a sweet cheese mixture. 

The cheese used is typically an unsalted variety, such as mozzarella or mastic cheese. Here are the basic ingredients for Halawet El Jibn:

• Semolina or rice flour
• Unsweetened cheese (mozzarella or mastic)
• Sugar syrup infused with rose water
• Cream for filling

To make this dessert, you’ll combine the semolina and cheese, then form a smooth dough. Shape the dough into thin circles, add a dollop of cream in the centre, and roll them into a cylindrical shape. Finally, drizzle the rose water-infused sugar syrup on top and enjoy.

Mafroukeh

Mafroukeh is a delightful dessert made from a mixture of semolina, sugar, and butter, topped with a layer of creamy cheese and garnished with crushed nuts. It’s often flavoured with orange blossom water or rose water. The main components of Mafroukeh are:

• Coarse semolina
• Sugar
• Butter
• Ashta or clotted cream (for the cheese layer)
• Crushed nuts (such as pistachios) for garnish

To make Mafroukeh, heat the butter and sugar, then add the semolina and cook until well combined and slightly golden. Press this mixture into a serving dish and top with a layer of creamy cheese. Garnish the dessert with crushed nuts and, if desired, a drizzle of rose or orange blossom water syrup.

Cultural Significance of Arabic Cheese Dessert

Arabic cheese desserts hold a special place in Middle Eastern cuisine, with their rich history and unique flavours. كنافةis one such dessert that has become an iconic symbol in the Arab world. 

This traditional pastry combines shredded filo or phyllo dough, melted white cheese, and sweet syrup to create an indulgent treat.

Originating from nomadic tribes, the history of Arabic desserts spans hundreds of years. Over time, the Islamic faith has played a significant role in shaping the tastes and ingredients used in these desserts, including cheese-based treats like knafeh.

As you explore the culinary landscape of the Middle East, you’ll find that various countries have their versions of knafeh, with slight variations in names and ingredients used. This showcases the regional diversity and influences within the Arab world.

Knafeh serves as more than just a dessert—it often represents a sense of community and shared experiences. Families and friends gather to enjoy this sweet indulgence on special occasions, such as weddings or religious celebrations. 

In some regions, it’s even customary to share knafeh with neighbours during the holy month of Ramadan.

To truly appreciate the cultural significance of Arabic cheese dessert, it’s essential not only to focus on the taste but also the emotions and memories associated with it. For many, knafeh symbolises a connection to their roots and a celebration of their identity.

Making Arabic Cheese Dessert at Home

Preparing the Ingredients

To make a delightful Arabic cheese dessert, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:

• Fine semolina
• ماء
• Sugar
• Mozzarella cheese (or any mild cheese)
• Shredded dough (kanafeh/kunafa dough)
• Butter (melted)
• Pistachios or your choice of nuts for garnish

Make sure your ingredients are fresh and of high quality for the best results. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it with melted butter.

عملية الطبخ

Begin by making the syrup for your dessert. In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar and heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then set aside to let it cool.

Next, prepare the cheese filling by combining the semolina, water, and sugar in a separate saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat while stirring constantly. 

Once the sugar dissolves, add the fine semolina and continue to stir until well combined and slightly thickened. Add the cheese and cook until it melts and blends into the mixture, forming a smooth, stretchy texture.

Now, it’s time to assemble the dessert. Spread half of the shredded dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly. Pour the cheese mixture over the dough and spread it evenly. Cover the cheese with the remaining shredded dough and press down gently. Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter.

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the kunafa is a deep golden-brown colour. Carefully remove the dessert from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over it, starting from the outer edges and moving towards the centre in a circular motion.

اقتراحات التقديم

After allowing the Arabic cheese dessert to cool for a few moments, it’s time to present and serve. Invert the dessert onto a serving platter and garnish it with chopped pistachios or your choice of nuts. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Slice the dessert into squares or triangles and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, gooey cheese with a crunchy, buttery crust. This homemade Arabic cheese dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or simply as a treat to enjoy at any time.

Health and Nutritional Information of Arabic Cheese Dessert

Arabic cheese desserts are known for their rich flavours and enjoyable textures. While these treats are undoubtedly delicious, you may also be curious about their health and nutritional aspects. As with any dessert, moderation is key, especially when considering your overall health and well-being.

These desserts often contain cheese, which is packed with protein and calcium. Depending on the type of cheese used, the protein content can vary, but generally, cheese is a good source of high-quality protein that contributes to muscle growth and repair. 

Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while also playing a role in nerve function and muscle contraction.

In addition to cheese, many of these desserts incorporate phyllo dough, a thin, flaky pastry made from flour and water. 

While not very nutritionally dense on its own, when layered and baked with butter or ghee, the dough can contribute to the overall calorie and fat content of the dessert. It is worth noting that butter and ghee are sources of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation due to their potential impact on heart health.

Arabic cheese desserts are typically sweetened with sugar syrup, which can lead to an increase in carbohydrates and overall calorie content. 

While indulging in these sweets can certainly be an enjoyable experience, it’s essential to remember that consuming excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Lastly, many Arabic cheese desserts incorporate flavourings such as rose water and orange blossom water, which add an aromatic touch without contributing significantly to the nutritional composition of the dessert.

When enjoying Arabic cheese desserts, keep portion sizes in mind, and balance your consumption with an overall healthy and varied diet. By practising mindful eating, you can savour the unique flavours of these indulgent treats while still prioritizing your health.

Final Thoughts on Arabic Cheese Dessert

Arabic cheese desserts are a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. They are a perfect fusion of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. Many variations of these popular Middle Eastern sweets exist, but two standout examples are Kanafeh and Halawet El Jibn.

Kanafeh is a delectable dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, a soft cheese filling, and a simple sugar syrup. Typically served warm, it balances the richness of the cheese with the crisp crunch of the phyllo dough. 

When making Kanafeh, you’ll need to slice the shredded phyllo into short lengths and mix it with melted ghee before assembling. Layer half the phyllo mixture, followed by a spread of the cheese mixture, and top with the remaining phyllo. 

Bake until golden and finish it off with a drizzle of sugar syrup to create a delicious, rich, and satisfying dessert.

Halawet El Jibn, on the other hand, is made from rolls of soft, sweet cheese dough, filled with clotted cream, and garnished with pistachios and rose petal jam. 

To enhance the flavour, a drizzle of syrup flavoured with orange blossom and rose water provides the finishing touch. The combination of fragrant syrup, melt-in-your-mouth cream, and tender cheese dough creates a captivating experience for your taste buds.

When enjoying these Arabic cheese desserts, don’t hesitate to explore the wide range of variations in flavours and textures. Some recipes incorporate fruits or chocolate, or that experiment with different cheeses. No two versions are the same, but one thing is certain: there is an Arabic cheese dessert out there that will delight your senses.

Lastly, the unique and intricate flavours of these scrumptious sweets make them ideal for sharing with family and friends. Introduce these delicious Arabic cheese desserts to your next gathering, and you’re bound to impress your guests.