Jordan Street Food

While filming the Jordan episodes, and walking through Al Balad (down town Amman), we passed by a stall on which Karabeej Halab were being made, freshly prepared, fried and drenched in sugar syrup (the only way you should have them)! Once made, they are then placed on a tray placed over an old wooden trolley, which will go around selling these sticks of sweet, gooey goodness. I had not had these in ages and had to have some. So we stopped and had a few and what a treat! I had forgotten the amazing splash of sugar syrup that explodes in the mouth as soon as you bite into the stick, and had forgotten that gooey texture of the fried dough which while slightly crunchy on the outside is absolutely soft on the inside thanks to the sugar syrup bath it goes through, straight after frying! I could not believe I am not making these myself and serving them for dessert when I am hosting!! These are heavenly, and while not an everyday kind of dessert, had every once in awhile they are an absolute treat.

So without too much talk, as non is necessary in this case, here is the recipe and I really recommend that you try making these and serving them to your friends, occasionally. They will love this dessert and what better than reviving old traditions to warm your guests hearts?!

 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fine Semolina
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tbsp ground fennel
  • 1/2 tbsp ground aniseed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup flavourless vegetable oil
  • 1 -2 cups water (or as required to create a very soft dough)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 1 recipe Sugar Syrup (on this link)

Start by mixing the egg, vanilla and 1/2 cup oil together until smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the semolina, flour, baking soda and ground aniseed and fennel. Pour the egg mixture over the semolina mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the water and mix, until you have a very soft dough.

Heat the frying oil. Meanwhile, place the dough in a piping bag.

 

 

Carefully, pipe the dough straight into the hot oil in long strips and fry until golden.

Repeat until all the quantity is done.

Once golden, place the fried sticks on a sieve for a moment to get rid of the excess oil, then straight away plunge them into the sugar syrup, making sure to coat all over.

Remove and place over a serving plate, and serve hot or warm.

For a more modern way to serve this dessert, instead of plunging in sugar syrup you can serve it with chocolate spread or chocolate fondue along with sliced strawberries or raspberries. You can even serve it with ice cream topped with chocolate shavings.

Another way is to serve them as parfaits. Make mini sticks and place them in small dessert cup along with chocolate cream or custard topped with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings. Let your imagination be your guide 🙂

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