Syrian Meshabek is a traditional dessert from the Middle East enjoyed by people during special occasions. This crunchy and fried treat is dipped in a sweet syrup, giving it a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior. Besides its delicious taste, this dessert offers nutritional benefits. The main ingredients, such as flour, yeast, and sugar, provide an energy source. However, this dessert is high in sugar and fats, so it should be consumed in moderation. It also contains carbohydrates that provide the body with quick energy, along with a small amount of protein and fiber that contribute to overall health.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white flour
• 1 tablespoon of dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar (for the syrup)
• 1/2 cup of water (for the syrup)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (for the syrup)
• 1 teaspoon of rose water (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water and start kneading the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour.
4. Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls and roll them into circles.
5. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the dough circles until golden brown.
6. To make the syrup, boil the sugar, water, and lemon juice together. Add rose water if desired.
7. After frying, place the meshabek in the syrup and let it absorb for a few minutes.
8. Serve the meshabek warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Healthy Alternatives:

Tips to modify the recipe:

• Replace sugar with healthier ingredients: To reduce sugar in the recipe, you can replace white sugar with honey or natural sweeteners like stevia or coconut sugar. These alternatives provide a sweet taste but with greater health benefits, as honey contains antioxidants and nutrients that help boost immunity.
• Use a healthier flour alternative: Instead of white flour, you can use whole wheat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. This is a suitable option for those on low-carb or gluten-free diets. These alternatives add a unique flavor and provide more fiber and nutrients.

Suggestions for Serving:

• Decorate with Nuts: You can decorate the Syrian Meshabek with nuts such as pistachios or ground almonds to add an extra touch of crunch and rich flavor. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats and fiber, adding nutritional value to the dessert.
• Use Different Types of Syrup: Instead of using the traditional syrup made of sugar and water, you can use syrup made from fruit juices like orange or lemon juice to give a new flavor. You can also add a little rose water or orange blossom water to enhance the flavor.

Notes:

• Comparison with Other Desserts: Syrian Meshabek is distinct from many other traditional desserts in the region as it has a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. When compared to other sweets like Zalabia or Qatayef, Syrian Meshabek has a higher amount of sugar and fats, making it delicious but potentially less healthy for those on strict diets.
• Information about Healthy Alternatives:
  • Lower-Fat Vegetable Oil: Instead of using regular vegetable oil for frying, you can use coconut oil or light olive oil. These oils contain healthy fats that support heart health and improve cholesterol levels.
  • Reducing Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or replace it with natural sweeteners. It's preferable to use sweeteners that are low in calories and have less impact on blood sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can Syrian Meshabek be Stored? You can store Syrian Meshabek in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can place it in the fridge, but it is best eaten fresh for the best texture and taste.
• Can I Use Flour Other Than White Flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour as substitutes for white flour. These alternatives add a unique flavor and provide more fiber and nutrients, though it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the Meshabek.
• Can Meshabek be Made Without Syrup? Syrup is an essential part of the traditional Syrian Meshabek recipe. However, if you're looking for a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Is Meshabek Suitable for Those on a Low-Sugar Diet? Since Meshabek contains a high amount of sugar, it is not suitable for those following low-sugar diets. You can modify the recipe using natural or sugar-free sweeteners.
• What is the Best Occasion to Serve Syrian Meshabek? Syrian Meshabek is perfect for special occasions like holidays, weddings, or any family gatherings. It is a traditional celebratory dessert that is served on happy occasions.

Nutritional Values and Benefits:

• White Flour (2 cups):
  • Calories: 910
  • Carbohydrates: 190g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Nutritional Benefit: White flour is a major source of energy through carbohydrates and also provides small amounts of B vitamins that support energy production and brain health.
• Dry Yeast (1 tablespoon):
  • Calories: 21
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Nutritional Benefit: Yeast is rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine), which supports energy metabolism and brain health.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon for dough, 1 1/2 cups for syrup):
  • Calories: 1 tablespoon - 50; 1 1/2 cups - 750
  • Carbohydrates: 13g per tablespoon
  • Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation to avoid raising blood sugar levels.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying):
  • Calories: 120 per tablespoon
  • Fat: 14g
  • Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil is a source of healthy fats but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon for syrup):
  • Calories: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Vitamins: Vitamin C (7% of daily requirement)
  • Nutritional Benefit: Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which boosts immune health and skin health.
• Rose Water (optional):
  • Calories: 0
  • Nutritional Benefit: Rose water adds a fragrant aroma and may have anti-inflammatory properties, but it is typically used in small amounts.

Note: Combining these ingredients, Syrian Meshbak becomes a delicious dessert but rich in sugar and fats. Enjoy it in moderation for its distinctive taste and wonderful texture!