🌙 Classic Arabic Treats: Sweet + Savory!

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Happy YASSSletter Thursday Gingis!

This week we've got a lot of going on! New York is finally coming into bloom again and the spring is all too welcomed after we landed into a frosty climate. This week we celebrated the first day of spring by going to the farmer's market to scout the newest addition of produce from the Hudson Valley!

Also this week marks the beginning of Ramadan, which will last until April 22nd. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Whether you are fasting or simply have a friend who might be, this newsletter is dedicated to beautiful Arabic treats that are used to break the fast at the end of the holiday.

If you are neither fasting or have a friend fasting, this is your time to jump in and make one of these crazy delicious treats. Zikki's personal favorite is the Pistachio & Cream Kataif drenched in gorgeous simple syrup. Best Saturday morning treat!

So without further ado, this week we are diving deep into the world of Arabic Treats + a little spring time bonus 😉!!! On the agenda today is:

1. 💚 Pistachio & Cream Kataif Recipe

2. 🌙 Ramazan Pidesi Recipe

3. 🍯 Pistachio Baklava Recipe

4. BONUS RECIPE: 🥗 Zikki's Farmer's Market Spring Salad

💚 Pistachio & Cream Kataif

Ramadan is around the corner and and it's time to make one of my favorite snacks for this holiday. Kataif is an Arab dessert commonly served during the month of Ramadan. The name refers to a dessert as a whole and, more specifically, the batter. It is a sort of sweet loaded pancake (similar to a Scottish crumpet) filled with cream or nuts. The cream here is based on semolina with a kiss of orange blossom syrup. After preparing the pancakes, I fold them in half and fill with the cream. I then dip them in freshly ground pistachios for another layer of texture. I find that the pistachios complete the flavor profile for the whole treat. These kataif are relatively not as sweet as they look like and you can decide how sweet you want them by the amount of simple syrup you pour on them once they are sealed, stuffed, and dipped. It is a very quick treat to make for yourself over the weekend and to celebrate the end of the fast with your loved ones.

🌙 Ramazan Pidesi

This bread is a traditional leavened Turkish pita usually served during meals throughout the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims from all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset every day for 30 days. Every day's fast ends with a meal with all family and this bread is one of the symbols of that tradition. It supposed to be eaten while still hot so make sure you start to work on that dough 2-3 hours before the sunset! I have to say it is one of the most beautiful breads I've ever made. And it is so delicious, wow!

🍯 Pistachio Baklava

Here you go! Handmade Baklava! Between us, I don't think there are more pastries tastier than baklava. I'm telling you, it is dangerously delicious. Dozens of thin layers of dough brushed with melted butter, a nice thick layer of nuts in the center, and simple syrup absorbed throughout this celebration. Mamma mia!! After hundreds of messages I received from you guys, asking me to make baklava I have prepared for you a detailed recipe for this beauty, including the filo dough. You don't have to make the dough yourself even though it really is so much fun. The filling is really up to you, any nut is welcome here. I made my baklava with Turkish pistachios and they worked so well! I highly recommend you invite friends and family over to share this pleasure with you, note it is so delicious you can easily eat the whole pan by yourself. I've eaten at least half of it already.

BONUS RECIPE: 🥗 Zikki's Farmer's Market Spring Salad

Absolutely nothing like a spring time salad, loaded with delicious and crispy greens and topped with mustardy edible flowers. This salad is a light play on a Tuna Niçoise, featuring classics like canned tuna, capers, radishes, and soft golden potatoes. However, we turn it up a notch using only gorgeous seasonal spring time produce from the farmer's market. This salad is perfect for a Saturday day lunch gathering or mid afternoon aperitif with drinks. If you are thinking brunch? Poach an egg and lay it on top of the salad to make it a really good time.

Hope you have a weekend full of YASSS! Until next Thursday Gingis.

Love, Ben xx

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