Delightful Desserts to Enjoy During Eid al-Fitr

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Ramadan is winding down, signaling the approach of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This Islamic holiday signifies the end of fasting from sunrise to sunset, with a range of delectable dishes to enjoy. It's a time of warmth and feasting for Muslims after a month of spiritual reflection.

During Eid al-Fitr, a variety of desserts are served on the table. It is a tradition to enjoy sweet treats during the three-day holiday, which are often shared with loved ones, according to Anissa Helou, a chef and author of the cookbook “Feast: Food of the Islamic World.”

If you are new to celebrating Eid al-Fitr or simply want to try something different this year, here are five delicious sweet treats to consider including in your menu.

For those who love cookies, Ma’amoul is a delightful treat that is cherished in Arab countries like Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. This butter cookie is similar to a short-crust pastry, crafted with semolina paste and stuffed with a delicious blend of nuts and dates. To add a special touch, decorative patterns are imprinted on the outside using different molds.

When nuts are added to the cookie, it gives off a lovely scent of rose water, orange blossom water, and cinnamon. Ma'amoul filled with dates also has a hint of cinnamon flavor.

According to Helou, ma'amoul is like the Arabic version of mooncakes. She recommends these butter cookies for those who may not be very skilled in baking.

Sheer khurma

A worker arranges strands of vermicelli noodles to dry to make sheer khurma during Ramadan on the outskirts of Agartala, India, on May 24, 2018.

A worker arranges strands of vermicelli noodles to dry to make sheer khurma during Ramadan on the outskirts of Agartala, India, on May 24, 2018.

Arindam Dey/AFP/Getty Images

A popular dish served during Eid al-Fitr is sheer khurma. This creamy rice pudding is made with whole milk, vermicelli, dates, and nuts, with the possibility of including almonds and raisins. To add flavor, cardamom, saffron, or coconut are commonly used. Sheer khurma can be enjoyed cold or warm.

According to Helou, sheer khurma is often likened to a sweet porridge. The main distinction lies in the use of thin vermicelli which contributes to sheer khurma's smooth and creamy consistency.

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Baklava

Prepared baklava trays are displayed at a bakery in Turkey's southeastern city of Gaziantep on April 08, 2019.

Prepared baklava trays are displayed at a bakery in Turkey's southeastern city of Gaziantep on April 08, 2019.

Baklava is a sweet dessert made with layers of thin pastry sheets called phyllo dough and filled with chopped nuts. Anisa Karolia, a food blogger and author of “The Ramadan Cookbook,” mentioned that while most baklava recipes use walnuts, you can also use pecans and pistachios as a substitute. After layering the pastry sheets, sugar is sprinkled on top before adding another layer.

For L’geimat, Karolia suggested spreading melted butter on each dough layer to achieve flaky layers. The baklava should be cut into diamonds or squares before baking in the oven. After baking, soak it in syrup. Karolia recommended adding orange blossom or rose to the syrup for a pleasant aroma when eating.

Powdered sugar is sifted on honey puffs to make l'geimats.

Powdered sugar is sifted on honey puffs to make l'geimats.

L’geimats are fritters that are soaked in saffron cardamom syrup or topped with date syrup. These sweet treats are enjoyed throughout the year, but they are especially popular during Ramadan and Eid. In different areas, these round pastries may be called luqaimat or gemat.

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Rasmalai

Rasmalai is made from soft paneer cheese balls soaked in sweet milk flavored with saffron or cardamom. It's topped with crushed or sliced pistachio nuts.

Rasmalai is made from soft paneer cheese balls soaked in sweet milk flavored with saffron or cardamom. It's topped with crushed or sliced pistachio nuts.

A popular Eid al-Fitr dish is rasmalai, a sweet milk-based dumpling. This Indian dessert is soaked in milk, giving it a spongy texture with nuts for crunch. It is flavored with saffron and cardamom for a sweet taste profile. The dumplings are boiled in hot milk and simmered to expand in size. Karolia mentioned, "These soft, juicy dumplings are very delicious and popular during this time."

Jocelyn Solis-Moreira is a New York-based freelance health and science journalist.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides a tantalizing glimpse into the delectable sweet treats enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The vibrant flavors and rich traditions behind each dish are captivating. Ma'amoul, with its buttery crumb and aromatic fillings, evokes the warmth of Arab hospitality. Sheer khurma, a creamy rice pudding adorned with nuts and dates, embodies the festive spirit of the occasion. Baklava, a symphony of flaky pastry and sweet syrup, tantalizes the taste buds with its intricate layers. L'geimats, the golden fritters soaked in sweet syrup, offer a delightful burst of flavor. Rasmalai, a spongy dumpling immersed in saffron-infused milk, represents the sweet indulgence of the holiday.

Beyond the culinary delights, the article also highlights the cultural significance of Eid al-Fitr. It is a time for Muslims to gather with loved ones, share delicious food, and celebrate the end of Ramadan. The sweet treats served during this holiday are not just desserts but symbols of joy, gratitude, and community. They embody the spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing.