Qamar Al-Din Khoshaf: Chilled Apricot and Dried Fruit Dessert Recipe
Qamar Al-Din Khoshaf is a traditional Middle Eastern dried fruit dessert made from apricot paste combined with a variety of dried fruits and nuts. This refreshing and nutritious treat is soaked and chilled, making it perfect for a healthy snack or an energizing dessert especially popular during Ramadan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including soaking and chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 200 grams apricot paste (Qamar Al-Din)
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as dates, figs, raisins, prunes)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts), chopped
- 2 cups cold water (or enough to soak the apricot paste)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apricot Base: Cut the apricot paste into small pieces and soak them in 2 cups of cold water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the paste softens and dissolves into a thick syrup.
- Soak the Dried Fruits: While the apricot paste soaks, rinse the dried fruits and soak them separately in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften them, then drain.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts into the apricot paste syrup. Stir well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavors: If desired, stir in sugar or honey to enhance sweetness, and add rose water or orange blossom water for an aromatic touch. Mix thoroughly.
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until well chilled.
- Serve: Serve cold as a refreshing dessert or snack, enjoying the natural sweetness and chewy texture of the fruits complemented by crunchy nuts.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness according to taste; the natural sugars in dried fruits often suffice.
- Using filtered or mineral water can improve the taste and clarity of the drink.
- For a vegan version, avoid honey and use sugar or natural sweeteners only.
- Soaking times may vary depending on the dryness of the fruits and apricot paste freshness.
- Chilling the khoshaf thoroughly enhances its refreshing qualities.
Keywords: Qamar Al-Din, Khoshaf, dried fruit dessert, Middle Eastern dessert, apricot paste, Ramadan dessert
