Khabees
HB-1269 · Hand-built original · Bahraini
Meet Khabees, the sweet, comforting treasure of Bahraini kitchens. This warming dessert brings together golden semolina, soft dates and a fragrant blend of Arabian spices in one deeply satisfying dish. With its tender texture and rich, honeyed flavour, khabees is the sort of sweet traditionally reserved for festive gatherings and family celebrations. If you want a genuine taste of the Gulf, this is the perfect place to begin.
BahrainiDessert1–2 servings631 kcalVegetarianEgg-freeLow-SodiumHigh FiberRenal
Main ingredient: semolina
Pairs well with: coffee, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, whipped cream
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 3½ oz fine semolina
- 13½ Tbsp water, plus 2 to 3 tbsp more if needed
- 1¾ oz dates, stoned and chopped
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter, plus extra for frying
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Put the water, dates, honey or sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the dates soften.
- Melt the butter in a separate heavy pan over medium heat. Add the semolina and stir constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns pale gold and smells nutty.
- Carefully pour the hot date mixture over the toasted semolina, stirring vigorously to prevent lumps.
- Lower the heat and continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a soft, spoonable porridge that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Add a splash of water if it becomes too stiff.
- Spoon into small bowls and serve warm, with a small knob of butter melting on top if you like.
Nutrition (per serving, where published)
631 kcalCalories
14.4 gProtein
118.1 gCarbs
12.9 gFat
7.5 gSaturates
9.6 gFibre
33 gSugars
96 mgSodium
30 mgCholesterol
628 mgPotassium
80 mgCalcium
2.3 mgIron
1 servingServing
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data