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Khoshaf
Khoshaf: dried apricots, prunes, figs and raisins soaked in sweet water with nuts, for Ramadan iftar
Bowls of khoshaf sit on the iftar table all through Ramadan in Egyptian homes, and many people break their fast with a few dates and a glass of it before anything else. Dried apricots, prunes, figs and raisins soak overnight in lightly sweetened water until they swell, and the liquid turns into a fruity, amber syrup; toasted almonds and pistachios go on top for crunch. It is cool, gentle on an empty stomach and full of natural sugars. Soaking it on the counter in warm weather is the usual mistake, as it can start to ferment, so always soak it in the fridge. Chef's tip: add a teaspoon of orange blossom water just before serving rather than at the start; it fades overnight.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 6
Ingredients
- 3 ½ oz dried apricots
- 3 ½ oz pitted prunes
- 2 ⅞ oz dried figshalved
- 2 ⅛ oz raisins
- 4 ¼ cups water
- 2 tbsp sugaror less, to taste
To finish
- 1 oz blanched almondstoasted
- ⅔ oz pistachiosroughly chopped
- 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Bring 4 ¼ cups water and 2 tbsp sugar to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool completely.
5 minStep 2: Rinse 3 ½ oz dried apricots, 3 ½ oz pitted prunes, 2 ⅞ oz dried figs and 2 ⅛ oz raisins briefly in warm water and put them in a large bowl or jar.
Step 3: Pour the cool syrup over the fruit, cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours, until the fruit is plump and the liquid is golden.
Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 1 tsp orange blossom water, if using, and scatter over 1 oz blanched almonds and ⅔ oz pistachios. Serve chilled in small bowls with the soaking liquid. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 220 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 42 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fibre
- 6 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does khoshaf take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 6 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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