Harisseh (Middle Eastern Sweets)

Serves: 5

Luisa Champlin

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

49

Spice

50

Sweetness

39

Sourness

38

mins

Prep time (avg)

5

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1.5 tsps

Baking Powder

2 cups

White Sugar

1 cup

Plain Yogurt

1 tsp

Rose Water

1 cup

Water

1 tsp

Lemon Juice

Directions:

1

Stir together semolina, baking powder, 2 cups of sugar, and chopped almonds until evenly blended

2

Stir in yogurt, vegetable oil, and rose water until a soft dough forms

3

Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes

4

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

5

Press the dough into a 9x9 inch square baking dish, and smooth the top

6

Score the top of the dough to create 25 squares, then top each square with an almond half

7

Bake in preheated oven until the top has puffed and turned golden brown, about 20 minutes

8

The harisseh is done when the top is golden, and the center has firmed

9

When done, remove from the oven, and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes

10

While the harisseh is cooling, pour water and 2 cups of sugar into a saucepan

11

Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes

12

Stir in 1 teaspoon of rose water, and lemon juice, then remove from the heat

13

To serve, cut the warm harisseh into 25 squares, and place onto a large serving platter; pour the rose water syrup over, making sure all of the pieces are moist