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Holidays & Special Occasions

Qarabeen Ramadan Sweets

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
10
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (140 g) mixed roasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
  • 1 cup (150 g) mixed dried fruit (dates, apricots, raisins)
  • 1 cup (150 g) assorted wrapped sweets and chocolates
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sugar-coated chickpeas or jordan almonds
  • Small decorative bags or bowls, for serving

Method

  1. Combine the roasted nuts, dried fruit, wrapped sweets and sugar-coated chickpeas or almonds in a large bowl.
  2. Toss gently to distribute the mixture evenly.
  3. Portion into small decorative bags or bowls for distribution to children and guests.
  4. Serve during Qarqee'an gatherings in the middle two weeks of Ramadan, alongside festive songs and traditional dress.

Introduction: Qarabeen refers to the mixed nuts, dried fruits and sweets traditionally given to children during Qarqee'an, a festive Kuwaiti mid-Ramadan celebration where children go door to door in traditional dress collecting treats, similar in spirit to other regional festive gift-giving traditions.

Cultural Background: Qarabeen refers to the mixed nuts, dried fruits and sweets traditionally given to children during Qarqee'an, a festive Kuwaiti mid-Ramadan celebration where children go door to door in traditional dress collecting treats, similar in spirit to other regional festive gift-giving traditions.

Tips: Toast raw nuts lightly in a dry pan for 5 minutes to enhance their flavour before mixing. Prepare individual bags in advance for easy distribution during door-to-door visits.

Variations: Add small traditional toys or trinkets to the bags alongside the sweets for children. Include locally made sugared dates for an extra traditional touch.

Storage: Store the dry mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating: Not applicable; served at room temperature.

FAQs:

Q: What is Qarqee'an?

A: A traditional Gulf mid-Ramadan celebration where children visit homes in festive dress to collect nuts, sweets and small gifts.

Q: Is this a specific recipe or an assembly?

A: It is traditionally an assembly of purchased and homemade sweets and nuts rather than a cooked recipe.

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