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5.0 from 3 votes

Halawat Sha'riyya

Halawat sha'riyya is a typical Iraqi dessert made from vermicelli and walnuts scented with cardamom and rose water.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern , Iraqi

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 6 oz. wheat vermicelli noodles (sold in nests)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 4 tablespoons crushed walnuts
For the garnish
  • 2 tablespoons ground pistachios

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Melt the butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  2. Lightly crush the noodle nests (or balls) between the fingers and add them to the pan, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown.
  3. Carefully pour hot water over and season with salt.
  4. Mix and bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer covered on low to medium heat, until the noodles begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add sugar, cardamom, rose water and walnuts.
  6. Stir until the sugar crystals dissolve.
  7. Simmer over low to medium heat and cover, stirring 2 or 3 times, until the water is absorbed, the vermicelli are shiny and the sugar begins to stick to the bottom of the pan, or between 12 and 15 minutes.
  8. Immediately, spread the vermicelli on a flat plate by smoothing with the back of a spoon.
  9. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of ground pistachios.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and heated for 1 minute in the microwave.