Halawat Timman | Iraqi Dessert

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1 tbsp slivered pistachios

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Prepare the Sugar Syrup ---

2. 2

   boil: In a saucepan, combine the white sugar and water. Place it over medium heat and let it come to a boil.

3. 3

   boil: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens.

4. 4

   set aside: Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the sugar syrup aside.

5. 5

   --- Melt the Ghee and Toast the Rice Flour ---

6. 6

   melt: In a separate non-stick shallow pan or pot, melt the ghee over medium-low heat.

7. 7

   add: Gradually add the rice flour to the melted ghee while stirring constantly.

8. 8

   Toast the rice flour by stirring it continuously until it turns light golden in color and becomes fragrant. This should take about 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove the pan from the heat and place it on the counter.

10. 10

    --- Combine the Ingredients ---

11. 11

    combine: Carefully pour the prepared sugar syrup into the toasted rice flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

12. 12

    heat: Return the pan to the stove and continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently.

13. 13

    Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to come off the sides of the pan easily.

14. 14

    flavour: Add the ground cardamom and rose water to the mixture, and mix well to incorporate the flavors.

15. 15

    --- Shape and Garnish ---

16. 16

    shape: Spread the mixture onto plates or shape it using moulds to create desired shapes.

17. 17

    Garnish the top of the halawat timman with toasted almond slivers and crushed pistachio nuts.

18. 18

    --- Serve and Enjoy ---

19. 19

    serve: Allow the halawat timman to cool and set. Scoop the dessert and savour the delightful sweet rice treat.