Embracing Middle Eastern Flavours
As a self-proclaimed aficionado of Middle Eastern cuisine, my palate has been seduced by its array of flavours that seamlessly meld the savoury with the sweet. The allure of delicacies like baklava, scented puddings, and the ubiquitous kebab continues to inspire culinary adventures across this historically-rich region.
Cookbook Treasures: Arabesque and Saha
My latest obsession has taken the form of two exquisite cookbooks: Arabesque by Claudia Roden and Saha by Greg and Lucy Malouf. Roden's Arabesque offers simplicity and accessibility, inviting readers to explore the foundational staples of Middle Eastern gastronomy. In contrast, Saha elevates the dining experience with recipes destined for grand celebrations and lavish feasts.
The Barazek Biscuit Experiment
Amongst these culinary repertoire, Roden's straightforward recipes have already proven their worth in my kitchen. The time has come to delve into a recipe from Saha, and what better choice to satisfy a nut enthusiast than 'Barazek' - Crunchy Sesame-pistachio Biscuits. Described as "simple, but meltingly short and crunchy," and "wickedly addictive," these biscuits have earned their spot in the heart of Syrian and Lebanese locals who treasure them dearly.
Recipe: Barazek (Pistachio & Sesame Biscuits)
Ingredients For These Delectable Delights
Prepare for a batch that yields 25-30 biscuits, a symphony of nuts and seeds with a shortbread-like crunch:
- 40g Soft Brown Sugar
- 45g Icing Sugar
- 150g Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
- 200g Self-Rising Flour
- 50g Pistachio Nuts, Slivered
- 60g Sesame Seeds
The Making of Barazek
- Start by creaming together the sugars and butter.
- Mix in the vanilla and egg, following up with the flour to form a dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and prepare your baking trays.
- Form small, marble-sized balls of dough, and press them into discs.
- Dip one side into the slivered pistachios and the other in sesame seeds.
- Place them on the trays and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
The Verdict on Barazek
My kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty scent of baking Barazek, emerged from the oven ready to be devoured. The balance of sesame's smokiness and the pistachio's rich butteriness was encapsulated in each biscuit. This experiment confirmed what every Syrian and Lebanese sweet tooth already knows: Barazek biscuits are indeed a delightful addition to any cookie connoisseur's collection.
A Culinary Endnote
Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious food enthusiast, the journey through Middle Eastern cuisine promises a delectable fusion of tradition and flavor. And as for the Barazek, they are not just biscuits; they are a window into the heart of a region's culinary heritage, just waiting to be savored.
Tags
recipes, food blog, food and drink, biscuits, sweet, Middle Eastern Cuisine