Hais- Middle Eastern Dessert

Hais is a very simple, quick to prepare dessert which dates back to the medieval Middle Eastern times. This recipe has been listed in ‘Kitab Al Tabih’, which is a book published in the year 1226 that has a collection of Baghdad’s most popular recipes. I am sharing the same recipe with a few variations.

These are traditionally made sweet balls which are full of nutrients are served during celebrations and also as an appetizer as Arabs traditionally have dessert before food. Its also a good energy food while travelling, as it can stay for long periods without going bad and is full on the stomach. It is a healthy option when you have a craving for sweets.

I hope you will try out this traditional Middle Eastern dessert and do post a comment on how it turned out.

The link of the video is below for your reference.

Ingredients-

Pitted Dates- 600 grams

Almonds- 150 grams

Pistachios- 100 grams

Bread crumbs- 300 grams

Clarified Butter/Pure ghee- 100 grams

Honey- 125 grams

Green Cardamom- 8-10 no

Cinnamon pwd- 1 tsp

Castor sugar- For sprinkling

Method-

Step 1. Soak almonds & pistachios in water for 2-3 hours. Remove skin & roast them lightly.

Step 2. Grind them coarsely in food processor. Remove & keep aside.

Step 3. Blend together bread crumbs & pitted dates in the food processor.

Step 4. Once well blended add ground almonds & pistachios & blend to mix well.

Step 5. Remove from processor & add ground green cardamom, cinnamon powder, clarified butter (pure ghee) and honey.

Step 6. Knead into a dough & make 45-50 balls.

Step 7. Roll few Hais (sweet balls) into castor sugar. Roll the remaining first in honey and then into coarsely ground almonds & pistachios.

Hais are now ready to be served.