Skip to main content

Khoshaf bil Mishmish

This delicately fragrant sweet is an old Syrian specialty of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, when it is eaten to break the daily fast. It keeps very well for days, even weeks, covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1 pound dried apricots
3 cups water
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup blanched almonds
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon rose water
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Soak the apricots in the water overnight.

    Step 2

    Drain and reserve the soaking water. Take a dozen of the apricots and blend to a light puree with the water in a food processor. Return to the remaining apricots in a serving bowl and stir in the rest of the ingredients.

    Step 3

    Serve chilled.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.
Canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t have!
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
This skillet dinner is a delightful way to use up a jug of cider.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.