Cheese Dessert (halawet aljibn)
If you’ve never heard of Halawat aljibn, you’re in for a real treat. Halawat aljibn is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with a simple mixture of cheese and semolina, and then sweetened with sugar syrup. The result is a sticky, sweet, and slightly savoury treat that’s absolutely addictive.
Halawat aljibn is thought to have originated in Lebanon, although it’s now enjoyed throughout the Middle East and beyond. It’s a dessert that’s typically served during special occasions, such as weddings and religious holidays, and it’s often paired with a hot cup of Arabic coffee.
The main ingredient in Halawat aljibn is cheese, and specifically, a type of cheese called akkawi. Akkawi is a salty and slightly tangy cheese that’s traditionally made from cow’s milk. To make Halawat aljibn, the cheese is grated and mixed with semolina, sugar, and a bit of milk. The mixture is then rolled into small balls or cylinders and filled with a sweetened cream made from milk and sugar. However, in this recipe, we will use mozzarella cheese because it’s readily available and easy to find.
The next step is to fry the Halawat aljibn until it’s golden brown on the outside and slightly gooey on the inside. The final touch is a drizzle of sugar syrup, which is made by simmering sugar and water together until it forms a thick, sweet syrup.
One of the things that makes Halawat aljibn so special is its unique texture. The combination of the slightly savoury cheese and the sweet syrup creates a sticky, chewy texture that’s unlike anything else. It’s also a dessert that’s rich in flavour, but not overly sweet, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer their desserts on the less-sugary side.
Cheese Dessert (halawet aljbn)
Ingredients
The dough
- 240 g mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup semolina
- 1/3 cup cup blossom water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Filling
- Unsalted cheese e.g. Mascarpone
Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sour juice
Instructions
- On a frypan add sugar and water at high temp until dissolved.
- Set temp to medium and add semolina stir, then add mozzarella cheese. Mix well, until the mix has formed a dough.
- Remove from heat. While the dough is still warm, spread on a baking paper, add unsalted cheese as a filling. Roll. Repeat.
- Mix the syrup ingredients all together, boil for 5 minutes. Leave it cool down. Use it as a dip and enjoy!
In conclusion, Halawat aljibn is a unique and delicious dessert that’s well worth seeking out. Whether you try it at a restaurant or make it at home, you’re sure to be delighted by its sticky, sweet, and slightly savoury flavour. So why not give it a try and discover a new favourite dessert?
If you’re a fan of cheese desserts, you should take a look at our cheesecake recipe that doesn’t require baking or eggs.
