Step into a world of Middle Eastern delights at Biscottis, a dessert shop located in the heart of Melton Mowbray. Nestled on King Street, this oasis of flavors offers a tantalizing array of exotic treats that will transport your taste buds to distant lands. From Baklava and Turkish Delight to Halva and Kunafa, each bite is a journey through the rich traditions and vibrant flavors of the Middle East. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence or searching for a unique gift, Biscottis is your go-to destination. Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the delectable treasures that await you at this hidden gem in Melton Mowbray.
Middle Eastern Delights
Welcome to the Middle Eastern Dessert Oasis! In this article, we’ll explore the delectable world of Middle Eastern sweets. From flaky and sweet baklava to the creamy and rich Arabic ice cream, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive in and discover the main categories, as well as some traditional Middle Eastern sweets that you can indulge in.
Main Categories
Baklava
Baklava is undoubtedly one of the most well-known Middle Eastern desserts. This irresistible pastry is made by layering phyllo dough with a mixture of chopped nuts, sugar, and spices, then drenched in a sweet syrup. The history of baklava traces back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was considered a luxurious treat enjoyed by sultans and nobles.
Kunafa
Kunafa, also spelled as knafeh, is another iconic Middle Eastern dessert. This indulgent sweet is made with shredded phyllo dough, also known as kataifi, layered with a creamy cheese filling and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. Kunafa has a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center – a truly unique combination of textures.
Halva
Halva, also spelled as halwa, is a dense and sweet confection that comes in various forms across different Middle Eastern countries. Its history can be traced back to ancient civilizations in the region. Halva is typically made with a base of sesame paste, also known as tahini, mixed with sugar or honey. Additional ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, and spices are often incorporated to enhance the flavor and texture.
Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight, also known as lokum, is a beloved confection in the Middle East. This chewy treat is made with a mixture of starch, sugar, and water, flavored with various ingredients such as rosewater or citrus. Turkish Delight comes in a wide array of flavors and is often dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Its history dates back centuries and has become an iconic sweet associated with Turkish cuisine.
Arabic Ice Cream
Arabic ice cream, also known as booza, is a unique frozen treat that is particularly popular in the Middle East. What sets Arabic ice cream apart is its incredibly elastic and stretchy texture, achieved through the addition of mastic, a resin obtained from the mastic tree. The result is a creamy, chewy, and satisfying ice cream experience. Arabic ice cream comes in a variety of flavors, from traditional pistachio to more modern interpretations like saffron or rose.
Now that we’ve explored the main categories of Middle Eastern desserts, let’s delve deeper into each one and uncover their fascinating histories, ingredients, variations, and serving suggestions.
Baklava
History
Baklava has a storied history that spans back to the Byzantine Empire. However, its origins can be traced even further to the ancient Assyrian civilization. Over time, baklava evolved and spread throughout the Middle East, Greece, and the Mediterranean region. Today, it is enjoyed globally and cherished for its delicate layers and sweet, nutty filling.
Ingredients
Traditional baklava typically consists of layers of phyllo dough, butter, finely chopped nuts (such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds), sugar, and a hint of fragrant spices like cinnamon or cardamom. The layers are generously brushed with melted butter to achieve that golden, flaky texture.
Variations
While the basic ingredients remain consistent, variations of baklava can be found across different Middle Eastern countries and even within regions. Some variations may include the addition of honey, orange blossom water, or rosewater in the sweet syrup that is poured over the baked pastry. Additionally, the shape and size of baklava can differ, ranging from small bite-sized squares to larger rolls or diamond shapes.
Popular Flavors
Baklava comes in a delightful array of flavors to suit different palates. Some popular variations include pistachio baklava, with its vibrant green hue and irresistible nuttiness. Walnut baklava offers a rich and earthy flavor, while almond baklava provides a slightly milder taste. For those who love the combination of sweet and tangy, there are even fruit-filled baklavas available, such as apricot or date-filled ones.
With its rich history and diverse array of flavors, baklava is a truly indulgent Middle Eastern treat that is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Kunafa
History
Similar to baklava, the roots of kunafa can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire. It is said that kunafa originated in the city of Nablus in Palestine and has since become a beloved dessert across the Middle East. The dish gained popularity due to its unique combination of crispy and creamy textures, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Ingredients
Kunafa is made using shredded phyllo dough, which is then layered with a generous amount of melted butter to create a crispy exterior. The filling often consists of a sweet, gooey cheese, such as Akkawi or mozzarella. A sugar syrup flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water is poured over the kunafa, adding a delightful sweetness.
Variations
Just like baklava, kunafa has various regional variations, each with its own twist on the traditional recipe. In Lebanon, for example, a version called knefeh nabulsieh is served with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios on top. In some regions, kunafa is also filled with a combination of nuts or sweetened cream, adding extra layers of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Kunafa is typically served warm, straight out of the oven, allowing the cheese filling to be gooey and satisfyingly melty. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee for a truly authentic experience. Some bakeries and dessert shops also offer innovative kunafa desserts, such as kunafa cones or kunafa cheesecake, taking this classic sweet to new heights of deliciousness.
Halva
History
Halva has a long and fascinating history that spans across different cultures and regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. The word “halva” itself is derived from the Arabic word for sweet. This versatile sweet confection has been enjoyed for centuries and holds cultural significance in many countries where it is prepared and shared during special occasions.
Ingredients
The primary ingredient in halva is tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Sugar or honey is added to the tahini to sweeten the mixture. However, halva comes in a multitude of varieties that incorporate additional ingredients such as nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts), dried fruits, spices (such as cinnamon or cardamom), or even chocolate.
Varieties
Halva is prepared and enjoyed in various forms across the Middle East. In Lebanon and Syria, a version called halawet el-jibn is made by rolling sweetened cheese and semolina dough around a rich cream filling. In Turkey, a type of halva called helva is created by mixing tahini, sugar or honey, and sometimes nuts to form a dense, fudgy consistency. Regardless of the variation, each type of halva offers its own distinct flavor and texture, providing a delightful culinary experience.
Serving Suggestions
Halva can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or incorporated into other desserts. It is often sliced into small pieces and served alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. In some Middle Eastern countries, halva is also a popular ingredient in traditional breakfast spreads, often paired with bread or pancakes. Whether enjoyed on its own or creatively incorporated into other dishes, halva offers a sweet and satisfying indulgence.
And that concludes our exploration of baklava, kunafa, and halva – three Middle Eastern delights that are sure to leave you craving for more. Join us in the next section as we discover the captivating world of Turkish Delight and Arabic Ice Cream.
Turkish Delight
History
Turkish Delight, or lokum, has a fascinating history that dates back centuries to the Ottoman Empire. It is believed to have been created in the early 18th century by a confectioner named Bekir Effendi. Over time, Turkish Delight gained popularity, becoming a treasured sweet enjoyed not only in Turkey but also throughout the Middle East and beyond.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in Turkish Delight are starch, sugar, and water. The mixture is cooked until it thickens and then flavored with various ingredients such as rosewater, lemon, orange, or mint. The final result is a soft and chewy sweet treat that melts in your mouth.
Popular Flavors
Turkish Delight comes in a plethora of flavors, ranging from traditional favorites to more modern and innovative offerings. Some classic flavors include rose, lemon, and pomegranate, with their distinctively fragrant and refreshing tastes. There are also variations with the addition of nuts like pistachios or walnuts, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Making Process
The making of Turkish Delight is a delicate and time-consuming process. The mixture is heated, stirred continuously, and gradually thickens to the desired consistency. Once the mixture is poured into a pan and set, it is cut into small cubes and coated in powdered sugar or a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch. This prevents the squares from sticking together and gives them their characteristic appearance.
Turkish Delight is not just a sweet treat but also a symbol of Turkish culture and hospitality. It is often served to guests as a gesture of warmth and goodwill.
Arabic Ice Cream
History
Arabic ice cream, known as booza, has a history that can be traced back to the Levant region, including Syria and Lebanon. It is renowned for its unique texture, achieved through the use of mastic, a resin obtained from the mastic tree. Arabic ice cream has become a beloved frozen dessert enjoyed not only in the Middle East but also by ice cream enthusiasts around the world.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in Arabic ice cream are milk, cream, sugar, and mastic. Mastic is what gives Arabic ice cream its distinct elasticity and chewiness. Additional ingredients, such as salep (a flour made from the root of wild orchids) or cornstarch, are often used to further enhance the texture. The mixture is churned slowly and frozen to create the desired consistency.
Unique Features
What sets Arabic ice cream apart is its incredible stretchiness, making it an experience like no other. The elasticity comes from the combination of mastic, salep, and slow churning, resulting in a satisfyingly chewy texture. Arabic ice cream has a lower melting point than traditional ice cream, allowing it to hold its shape for longer even in hot weather.
Flavors
Arabic ice cream comes in a wide range of flavors, each offering a uniquely delicious experience. Traditional flavors include pistachio, mastic, rose, and sahlab (a popular Middle Eastern drink made from the salep flour). In recent years, there has been a rise in innovative flavors, such as date, cardamom, saffron, or even combinations like chocolate tahini or baklava-inspired ice cream.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or looking to try something new, Arabic ice cream offers a delightful and refreshing treat for all ice cream lovers.
Traditional Middle Eastern Sweets
While baklava, kunafa, and halva are undoubtedly the stars of Middle Eastern dessert cuisine, there are other delightful treats that deserve recognition. Let’s take a look at a few traditional Middle Eastern sweets that are equally enticing.
Mahalabiya
History Mahalabiya is a creamy milk-based dessert with origins in the ancient Arab world. It is believed to have been enjoyed by the elites of medieval Arab society. Over the centuries, it spread to different regions, each adding its own unique twist. Today, mahalabiya is a beloved dessert that can be found in many Middle Eastern countries.
Ingredients The main ingredients in mahalabiya are milk, sugar, and rice flour or cornstarch. Rosewater or orange blossom water is often added to infuse the dessert with a delicate floral aroma. Some variations also include ground pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Preparation To prepare mahalabiya, the milk is heated and combined with the sugar and a thickening agent. This mixture is then cooked until it reaches a creamy consistency. Afterward, it is poured into individual serving dishes or a large tray and left to set in the refrigerator. Once chilled, mahalabiya is garnished with a sprinkling of ground pistachios or almonds before serving.
Serving Traditions Mahalabiya is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert on a hot day. It is often garnished with a drizzle of sweet syrup, such as rose or orange blossom syrup, to enhance the flavors. This creamy delight is enjoyed by both young and old, and its subtle sweetness and velvety texture are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions, such as Ramadan or Eid. These bite-sized dough balls are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy outer shell and a soft, fluffy interior.
Ingredients Making luqaimat requires a simple yet delicious combination of flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and sometimes saffron. The dough is left to rise before being portioned into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown.
Serving Traditions Once fried, luqaimat are often generously drizzled with date syrup or honey, adding a delightful sweetness. Some variations include the addition of crushed cardamom seeds or saffron to the syrup, infusing the dessert with aromatic flavors. Luqaimat are typically served warm, allowing their crispy exterior to contrast with the soft, fluffy interior. They are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or Arabic coffee, making them a staple dessert during festive gatherings.
Qatayef
Qatayef is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan. These small pancakes are filled with a sweet cheese or nut filling, then folded and fried or baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients The batter for qatayef is made from flour, yeast, sugar, water, and sometimes milk. The pancakes are cooked on one side only, creating a unique texture – crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The fillings vary but commonly include a sweet cheese filling, often made with a blend of ricotta and cream cheese, or a nut filling with a mixture of crushed pistachios, walnuts, or almonds mixed with sugar and spices.
Serving Traditions Qatayef is typically enjoyed during iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan. They are traditionally served in a large tray, with some filled with cheese and others with nuts. The tray is then generously drizzled with sweet syrup, such as rose or orange blossom syrup, adding an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. Qatayef are enjoyed by families and friends, representing a delicious and beloved tradition during this special time of year.