5 Delicious Desserts You Must Try in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, excellent hospitality, and delectable cuisine. While many associate Saudi Arabia with savoury cuisines such as biryani and shawarma, the kingdom also offers a delectable variety of desserts. It has a wide array of sweets that will please any sweet tooth, ranging from traditional Arabian treats to modern twists on classic desserts. This blog article will explore the famous sweets of Saudi Arabia that showcase its distinct flavours and culinary traditions.

 Kunafa

Any discussion on Saudi Arabian desserts would be incomplete without mentioning the legendary kunafa. This popular treat features a thick, sweet cheese filling sandwiched between layers of crispy, shredded pastry drenched in fragrant sugar syrup. The kunafa is then cooked until golden brown and served hot. The delightful contrast of textures and flavours, created from creamy cheese and crunchy pastry, is truly delicious. It is often served with crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of rosewater for an added aromatic touch.

Let’s take a look at this delicious dessert recipe:

To make kunafa at home, you will need the following:

●     500g kunafa dough

●     300g akkawi cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)

●     1 cup sugar

●     1 cup water

●     1 tablespoon rosewater

●       Pistachios for garnish

2. The kunafa dough should be shredded into small pieces and used as a filling. Toast the shredded dough in melted butter until golden brown. Remove it from the heat and let it cool down.

3. Grate some akkawi cheese and combine it with kunafa dough to create the cheese filling.

4. The kunafa can be assembled by spreading a layer of the toasted dough in a baking dish and then adding the cheese filling on top. Place another layer of dough over the filling and gently press down. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for around 30 minutes to get a golden brown colour.

5. When the kunafa is done baking, pour the sugar syrup over it and let it sit for a while to soak in. Serve with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top

Basbousa

Basbousa, a sweet semolina cake soaked in rosewater or orange blossom-infused syrup, is another popular dessert in Saudi Arabia. Coconut, almonds, and pistachios are commonly added to enhance the flavour profile of this flaky treat. The light, airy texture and fragrant flavour of basbousa make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Let’s take a look at this delicious dessert recipe:

● 2 cups of semolina

● 2 cups of plain yoghurt

● 1 cup of sugar

● 1 cup of dried coconut

● 1/2 cup melted butter

● 1 tsp of baking soda

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● Almonds or pistachios for garnish

● Rosewater or orange blossom water for soaking

1. In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, yoghurt, desiccated coconut, melted butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

2. Spread the batter evenly in a baking dish greased with butter. You can cut the top into diamonds or squares with a knife. You can also try pistachios or almonds for garnish.

3. Grate some akkawi cheese and combine it with kunafa dough to create the cheese filling.

4. The kunafa can be assembled by spreading a layer of the toasted dough in a baking dish and then adding the cheese filling on top. Place another layer of dough over the filling and gently press down. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for around 30 minutes to get a golden brown colour.

5. When the kunafa is done baking, pour the sugar syrup over it and let it sit for a while to soak in. Serve with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top.

   Umm Ali

Umm Ali, an Egyptian dessert known as “Mother of Ali,” has become extremely famous in Saudi Arabia. Puff pastry, milk, sugar, and assorted nuts (almonds, pistachios, and raisins) are layered to create this sweet and soothing treat. Baking the ingredients until the crust is golden and crispy helps achieve the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Let’s take a look at this delicious dessert recipe:

      ● 4-5 puff pastry sheets

      ● 4 cups milk

     ● 1 cup of sugar

     ● ½ cup of mixed almonds, pistachios, and raisins

     ● Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

     1. Start by baking the puff pastry sheets in the oven until they are brown and crispy. Then, break the pastry into small pieces.

     2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add the pastry shards, the nuts, and the cinnamon. Gently mix all the ingredients.

     3. Transfer the ingredients to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the top turns golden brown.

    4. Umm Ali is delicious on its own, but you can also try serving it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence.

     Madhbi

Madhbi is a delicious and nutritious dish that everyone should try at least once. This classic Saudi delicacy features a drizzle of sweet, caramel-like date syrup over soft, slow-roasted dates. The natural sweetness of the dates and the richness of the syrup blend in a harmonious way that's hard to describe, but delicious all the same. Since Madhbi contains healthy nutrients it can be enjoyed guilt-free by everyone.

    Aseeda

A traditional Saudi delicacy made with flour, butter, and honey, Aseeda is a warm and delightful treat. The dough is typically flavoured with cardamom or saffron and baked until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. Aseeda is usually served at the end of a satisfying Saudi meal and is delicious with a touch of honey or cinnamon. 

From the renowned kunafa to the comforting aseeda, these famous sweets in Saudi Arabia represent the kingdom’s diverse and flavourful culinary history. Whether you prefer traditional sweets or are looking for options in healthy food products like the slow-roasted dates of Madhbi, there is a dessert in Saudi Arabia to satisfy everyone’s taste. So, when you visit Saudi Arabia next, be sure to enjoy the delectable flavours of the nation’s most popular desserts.

Further Read:

·         Organic Beverages for Travelling

·         Tips for Healthy Lifestyle

·         Best Anti-ageing Tips