The Ramadan evenings have their own rhythm. The meal concludes with water and dates. Savoury dishes roll out for dinner, and then there is the time when all wait silently. Dessert! Not just for sugar or just for tradition. But for comfort. Iftar Desserts are a treat after a day without food or water. They restore energy and unite families.
12 Iftar Desserts In The Middle East You Need To Savour This Ramadan
1. Kunafah (Knafeh)
Crisp on top, soft in the middle and drenched in syrup. In Kunafah layers, the pastry or semolina dough is shredded over a cheese or cream filling, then baked until it turns golden. When it comes out of the oven, sweet syrup is poured over it. The result? Crunch, molten, sweetness, and just the right amount of salt provided by the cheese to make things even. It’s rich disappears from the table before you blink.
2. Baklava
Baklava is one of the desserts that cannot be overlooked in any Ramadan dessert list.
Layers of pastry are arranged into mountains of crushed nuts, which may be pistachios or walnuts, with butter brushed over them and baked until flaky. A job is topped with a warm honey or sugar syrup. One piece is never enough. Everyone knows it.
3. Gullac
Light, milky and surprisingly delicate, Gullac is a Turkish Ramadan favourite. Thin wafers made of starch are soaked in sweetened milk and filled with nuts, usually with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. It is lightweight when compared to other heavier pastries, thus making it ideal after a large iftar meal.
4. Sholeh Zard
The Persian saffron rice pudding is bright yellow due to the generous use of saffron.
Sholeh Zard is a mixture of rice, sugar, rose water, and cardamom. The top is adorned with sliced almonds and cinnamon. It is sweet, cool, and most soothing when best served chilled.
5. Tufahija
Bosnia offers an alternative. Tufahija is made of poached apples, filled with walnuts and cream, and dipped in syrup. It is sweet, but not dense, and a fruit gives it a refreshing bite after fried and baked foods. Made using simple ingredients, but results in an elegant dish.
6. Revani
Revani is a semolina cake soaked in citrus syrup. It is soft and slightly grainy, and does not become soggy when it absorbs syrup. The zest of lemon or orange serves as a lightener to the sweetness.
7. Qatayef
Qatayef could be the signature dessert of Ramadan. These are small pancakes that enclose sweet fillings such as cream or nuts. Others are fried to add more crunch. Others stay soft and syrupy. They are portable, enjoyable to put together, and ideal to share.
8. Tamr Mahshi
This Ramadan, enjoy dates beyond breaking the fast. Tamr Mahshi is the dish that takes it a step further. They are filled with nuts, and at times with chocolate, which makes these stuffed dates a quick energy source, with natural sweetness. They can be made in advance and presented beautifully on a platter.
9. Ma’amoul
Ma’amoul cookies are loaded with nostalgia. These are shortbread-like pastry filled with date or nut paste inside patterned shells. They are usually prepared by families before Ramadan or Eid. They are buttery, crumbly and go well with Arabic coffee.
10. Lokma
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Lokma is a small fried ball made of dough in syrup. These are similar to doughnut holes and are lighter. They are commonly served hot by the vendor, right out of the fryer. You’d better eat them fresh.
11. Pisang Goreng
Although prevalent in Southeast Asia, Pisang Goreng has taken its place among numerous Ramadan dishes. Bananas are battered, fried and sprinkled with sugar on top. Others drizzle honey. It is comfort food at its most basic level.
Also Read: 8 Best Iftars In Dubai Under AED100 To Feast Without Splurging
12. Basbousa
Basbousa is another favourite made of semolina, and it is familiar throughout the region.
It is thick, wet and dipped in syrup, and it can be topped with almonds or coconuts. Every bite is not overwhelmingly sweet and works well in large groups as it cuts well and serves with ease.
This year, be it a family recipe or something new, make dessert the centre stage during the Holy Month. Afterall, it’s earned its place.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ Galina Omelchuk from Alamy
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