Dessert Lovers, This One’s For You! An Unforgettable Experience In Taste and Aroma: Emirati Pumpkin Dessert + Recipe

Emirati Pumpkin Dessert Recipe for Yalda Night

Pumpkin is one of the key symbols of Yalda Night, typically served cooked or as a dessert. It is highly nutritious and full of health benefits. You can use pumpkin to make a variety of delicious desserts and snacks.

One such dessert is the Emirati Pumpkin Dessert, a modern and flavorful dish made from a blend of pumpkin, honey, flour, butter, cardamom, and more. This dessert boasts a delightful aroma and taste. If you’d like to make this soft and delicious treat at home for Yalda Night, follow the recipe below.

Instructions

1. Prepare the pumpkin: Peel and cook the pumpkin with half a cup of water until soft. Once cooked and cooled, blend it into a smooth purée using a food processor.

2. Mix the ingredients: Transfer the pumpkin purée to a bowl, then add honey, cardamom, dried rose powder, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

3. Toast the flour: In a pan over medium heat, toast the flour for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to remove its raw smell. Do not let it darken too much.

4. Incorporate the butter: Add the butter to the flour, stirring until combined.

5. Combine with pumpkin: Gradually add the pumpkin purée in two batches, stirring constantly until well incorporated.

6. Add fragrance: Pour in the rose water and saffron, mixing thoroughly.

7. Serve and garnish: Transfer the dessert to a serving dish and garnish with ground walnuts, shredded coconut, and dried rose powder. Enjoy!

Important Tips

• Pumpkin Selection:

  • Choose a bright orange pumpkin; greenish ones are unripe and tasteless.

  • Round pumpkins tend to have better flavor than elongated ones.

  • Press the pumpkin’s skin—if it feels soft or bruised, avoid buying it.

  • Select pumpkins with a smooth, firm skin and minimal blemishes.

  • A heavier pumpkin is often sweeter.

• Using Saffron Correctly:

  • Always use concentrated brewed saffron for better color and flavor.

  • To brew saffron properly, grind it into a fine powder, then mix 1 teaspoon of saffron with 2 tablespoons of boiling water and 2 ice cubes. The ice shocks the saffron, releasing more color.

  • Store saffron in an airtight container in the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature before using.

  • To test saffron authenticity, rub a small amount between your fingers. Pure saffron does not feel oily, while fake saffron often looks shiny and leaves an oily residue.

    

    

• Choosing Authentic Rose Water:

  • The best rose water comes from Kashan and Meymand (Iran). Many commercial brands dilute their products, reducing the natural fragrance.

  • Pure rose water has a strong damask rose scent, without any sour or fermented odor.

  • It should be clear, bright, and free of sediment.

  • Authentic rose water has a rich, slightly bitter taste.

Enjoy your homemade Emirati Pumpkin Dessert 😊!