Khabees
HB-1270 · Hand-built original · Qatari
Meet Khabees, the national dish of Qatar and a jewel of traditional Arabic sweets. This fragrant treat brings together wholemeal flour, plump dates and a warm blanket of spices for a pudding that is sweet, nutty and gently spiced all at once. Long a fixture at family gatherings and celebrations, it captures the generous, hospitable spirit of Qatari cooking. Bring a taste of the Gulf to your own table with this simple, comforting recipe.
QatariDessert1–2 servings1075 kcalVegetarianEgg-freeLow-SodiumHigh FiberRenal
Main ingredient: flour
Pairs well with: coffee, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, whipped cream
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 1 cup wholemeal flour
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- Honey or sugar, to taste
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Put the water, dates, and salt in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the dates are very soft. Mash a few of them against the side of the pan to sweeten the liquid.
- Meanwhile, toast the flour in a dry heavy pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6 to 8 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty. Take care not to scorch it.
- Add the butter or ghee to the flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour the hot date liquid into the flour, whisking vigorously after each addition to keep the mixture smooth.
- Stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, and honey or sugar to taste. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Spoon into small bowls, scatter the toasted almonds over the top, and serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving, where published)
1075 kcalCalories
23.3 gProtein
142.6 gCarbs
50.1 gFat
18.3 gSaturates
32.1 gFibre
18.3 gSugars
4 mgSodium
85 mgCholesterol
1009 mgPotassium
212 mgCalcium
5.4 mgIron
1 servingServing
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data