Eid in the UAE

      We are in the last day of Ramadan and approaching the celebration of Eid al Fitr, marking the end of the 30-day period of fasting. There is definitely a change of atmosphere during the time of Eid in the UAE, it is a time for celebration and reflection.

Let’s look upon the traditions of celebrating Eid in the UAE…

Typically the day of Eid starts with an early prayer followed by a breakfast with a variety of sweets, biscuits and desserts, which women prepared a day ahead. All day long families will visit each other houses, dressed in their best. This is traditionally very important as they are showing unity as a family. At this time Eid money known as ‘Eidiya’ are given to the children. The families will then gather for a big lunch, where local rice, meat and fish dishes are served.

On this special occasion of Eid, I would like to post a sweet recipe, which you can share with your friends and family.

 

Mini Kunafa with Cream

A famous arabic dessert -Kunafa, made of shreded Phyllo dough, can be made in a handy alluminium cups, so convinient for a large Eid gathering. The cream cheese feeling is very simple in this recipe.

For around 25 cups:

• 500 g kunafa dough
• 150 g melted butter
• 1/2 tsp orange or red food coloring
• 2 small packs thick cream (qeimar)
• grated mozzarella (optional)
• ground pistashious
• for sugar syrup: 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cup water
• Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp rose water

1. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling water with sugar and lemon for 15 min. Take out from heat and mix with rose water.
2. Prepare the kunafa: Break kunafa dough using processor or sizars. 
3. Melt butter in microwave and mix well with food coloring.
4. Pour butter into kunafa dough and mix with hand for around 10 min.
5. In alluminium cups lay a portion of kunafa dough around 1 1/2 tbsp, pressing with fingers to the bottom and sides of the cup.
6. Top the kunafa with a cream directly from the packet flatten with spoon and sprinkle with Mozarella cheese.
   

   

   
7. Cover with one more tbsp of kunafa dough, pressing well on top.
8. Place cups on a tray and bake in preheated oven using upper heat at the end until its crispy and browned.
9. Pour cold sugar syrup over hot kunafa cups and garnish with pistashious.

Let the Kunafa rest in the room tempreture for a while and serve!

You can also flip it to the serving plates or paper molds.

This year is the first time for me to participate in the special Eid party – Eid Eats, hosted by three bloggers: My Ninja Naan, Flour & Spice and Chocolate & Chillies, which shares Eid recipes from all over the world. 

Click on this graphic to head over to the party and see what everyone else is bringing.