7 Jordanian Desserts You Must Try
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while in Jordan, you’re in for a treat. Jordanian desserts are a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, with influences from neighbouring countries like Syria and Lebanon. From creamy puddings to syrupy pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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One of the most popular desserts in Jordan is Kunafa, a sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup. It’s often served warm and topped with pistachios or other nuts. Another favourite is Halawet El Jibn, a creamy cheese dessert that’s rolled in a thin layer of semolina and topped with a rosewater syrup. It’s a delicate and delicious treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
Jordanian desserts are often enjoyed with a cup of strong Arabic coffee or sweet mint tea. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Amman or relaxing in a Bedouin tent in the desert, be sure to indulge in some of these delicious sweets during your stay in Jordan.
Traditional Jordanian Desserts
Jordanian cuisine is renowned for its delicious and unique desserts. These sweets are a perfect way to end a meal or to enjoy as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Here are some traditional Jordanian desserts that you should definitely try:
Knafeh
Knafeh is a sweet pastry that is made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup. The cheese used in Knafeh is usually Akkawi cheese, which is a salty white cheese that is similar to feta cheese. The pastry is baked until it is golden brown and crispy, and then it is soaked in a sweet syrup that is flavored with rose water. Knafeh is a popular dessert in Jordan and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.
Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry that is made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. The pastry is baked until it is golden brown and crispy, and then it is soaked in a sweet syrup that is flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. Baklava is a popular dessert in Jordan and is often served during special occasions such as Ramadan and Eid.
Hareeseh
Hareeseh is a semolina cake that is flavored with rose water and topped with a sweet syrup. The cake is made with semolina flour, sugar, butter, and yogurt. Once the cake is baked, it is soaked in a sweet syrup that is flavored with rose water. Hareeseh is a popular dessert in Jordan and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.
Barazek
Barazek is a sweet pastry that is made with sesame seeds, honey, and flour. The pastry is baked until it is golden brown and crispy, and then it is topped with a sweet syrup that is flavored with rose water. Barazek is a popular dessert in Jordan and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.
Overall, Jordanian desserts are a must-try for anyone who loves sweets. These desserts are not only delicious, but they are also a great way to experience the unique flavours and culture of Jordan.
Jordanian Dessert Ingredients
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Jordanian desserts are rich in flavour, texture and aroma, and are often made with a combination of traditional ingredients that have been used for centuries. Here are some of the key ingredients that are commonly used in Jordanian desserts:
Semolina
Semolina is a coarse flour made from durum wheat that is commonly used in Jordanian desserts. It is often used to make a type of cake called basbousa, which is made by combining semolina with sugar, butter, yoghurt and baking powder. Basbousa is then baked and soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, water and lemon juice.
Dates
Dates are a staple ingredient in Jordanian cuisine and are often used in desserts. They are a rich source of natural sweetness and are often used to make a type of sweet called ma’amoul. Ma’amoul is a small, round pastry that is filled with dates, nuts or sweetened semolina. It is then baked and dusted with icing sugar.
Nuts
Nuts such as pistachios, almonds and walnuts are commonly used in Jordanian desserts. They are often used to add texture and crunch to desserts such as baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry, nuts and honey syrup.
Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a key ingredient in many Jordanian desserts. It is made by simmering butter until the water content evaporates and the milk solids separate from the fat. Ghee is often used to add richness and flavour to desserts such as knafeh, a sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese and syrup.
In summary, Jordanian desserts are made with a variety of traditional ingredients that are rich in flavour, texture and aroma. Semolina, dates, nuts and ghee are just a few of the key ingredients that are commonly used in these delicious desserts.
Occasions and Serving Customs
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Eid Al-Fitr
During Eid Al-Fitr, Jordanians celebrate the end of Ramadan by preparing and sharing desserts with family and friends. It is a common tradition to serve sweet treats such as Ma’amoul, a delicious pastry made of semolina, flour, butter, and filled with dates or nuts. Another popular dessert served during Eid Al-Fitr is Kanafeh, a pastry made of shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup.
Weddings
Jordanian weddings are a grand affair, and desserts play a significant role in the celebration. It is customary to serve a variety of sweets, including Baklava, a pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup. Another dessert commonly served at weddings is Qatayef, a sweet dumpling filled with cheese, nuts, or cream and then fried or baked.
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, Jordanians fast from dawn until dusk and break their fast with a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. One of the most popular desserts served during Ramadan is Atayef, a sweet dumpling filled with cream, nuts, or cheese and then fried or baked. Another traditional dessert served during Ramadan is Halawet El-Jibn, a sweet cheese pastry filled with cream and drizzled with syrup.
Jordanian desserts are often served with tea or coffee, and it is customary to offer guests a small plate of sweets as a gesture of hospitality. Sweets are typically served on a platter or in small individual dishes. It is common to decorate the desserts with pistachios, almonds, or other nuts and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are some traditional sweets one can find in Jordan?
Jordan is known for its delicious and unique sweets. Some traditional sweets you can find in Jordan include baklava, knafeh, halva, and awameh. These sweets are often made with ingredients such as nuts, honey, cheese, and semolina.
How do you make knafeh, a classic Jordanian dessert?
Knafeh is a sweet and cheesy dessert that is popular in Jordan. To make knafeh, you will need shredded phyllo dough, cheese, sugar syrup, and butter. The cheese is mixed with the shredded phyllo dough and then baked until golden brown. Once it is done, sugar syrup is poured over it to add sweetness.
Which type of cheese is typically used in Jordanian desserts?
Jordanian desserts often use a type of cheese called akawi. This cheese is mild and slightly salty, and it is perfect for desserts because it melts easily and has a creamy texture.
Where can one purchase authentic Jordanian sweets online?
If you are looking to purchase authentic Jordanian sweets online, there are several websites that offer them. Some popular websites include Jordanian Sweets, Sweets of Jordan, and Halawa House. These websites offer a variety of Jordanian sweets, including baklava, knafeh, and halva.
What are the top-rated desserts to try when visiting Jordan?
When visiting Jordan, there are several desserts that you must try. Baklava, knafeh, and awameh are some of the most popular desserts in Jordan. Other desserts to try include halva, basbousa, and ma’amoul.
Is baklava considered a staple dessert in Jordanian cuisine?
Baklava is a dessert that is popular in many Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan. While it is not considered a staple dessert in Jordanian cuisine, it is still a popular and delicious dessert that is enjoyed by many.
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