7 TASTY SYRIAN DESSERTS

Like most Middle Eastern countries, Syria has a tendency to mix sugar with more sugar (which comes in the shape of syrup or honey) and to add almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds, pine nuts or walnuts to the mix (to the despair of those allergic to nuts).

Similarly to most dishes in this region of the world, some of these desserts might sound a tad familiar as every country has its own version.

Here is our selection of tasty Syrian desserts everyone should try!

Barazek

Photo credit: melspantrykitchen.co.uk

This Damascene specialty consists of flat round biscuits filled with pistachios, sesame seeds and mahlab (a spice made from the seeds of a type of cherry). They are extra crunchy and highly addictive.

Karabeej Halab with Natef or Aleppo’s cookies

Photo credit: Parisalep.com

These biscuits are made with semolina and ghee (clarified butter) and are filled with pistachio or walnuts. To add some balance to the slightly dry cookies, they’re often dipped into Natef, a meringue-like topping made of syrup and soapwort root, sprinkled with cinnamon.

Kaak bi Loz

Photo credit:  gourmantic.com

These baked marzipan fingers include fine almonds, sugar and orange blossom water and are a delicacy in Aleppo. Just one bite into that soft dough will unleash you inner-ogre.

Amardeen

Photo credit: Taste of Beirut

This sweet, sticky apricot paste –which resembles an apricot bar, without all the preservatives– is usually eaten as a snack. It’s also used to make juice and puddings.

Mrabba el Joz

Photo credit: The Daily Star

This sweet treat translates to green walnut jam but is actually candied unripe walnuts submerged in sugar syrup. Interesting, huh?

Haytaliyeh

Photo credit: Parisalep.com

This traditional Aleppan dessert is hugely popular and refreshing during warm summer days. It consists of whole milk cooked with cornstarch. Once cold the mixture is served with clotted cream ice cream and orange-blossom-infused syrup is then poured over it.

Zlebiye

While these pancakes are often eaten for breakfast, they also make a great dessert. They are sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon and crushed pistachio, and are either filled with clotted cream or dipped in sugar syrup. To truly grasp how delicious looking these are, we suggest you click here.

Please support The Good shepherd Sisters community center in Deir el Ahmar, located in the Bekaa valley. The organization schools 350 Syrian refugees (from the ages of 6 to 12). We aim to raise $8750, which is the sum needed to feed the pupils warm meals for a week. If you would like to make a difference in these children’s lives:  please donate.