Balaleet

Balaleet 2019

Balaleet (Arabic: بلاليط) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, particularly popular in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It is a sweet and savory dish that consists of vermicelli noodles sweetened with sugar, rose water, and cardamom, often colored with saffron, and served with a savory topping of beaten eggs that are either scrambled or formed into an omelette. Balaleet is typically served for breakfast during the Ramadan season but can also be enjoyed as a dessert or a light meal at other times of the year.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Balaleet is vermicelli noodles, which are thin, long strands of pasta made from wheat. The noodles are boiled until soft, then drained and mixed with sugar, rose water, cardamom, and saffron for its distinctive yellow color and aroma. This mixture is then lightly fried in butter or ghee to enhance the flavors.

For the savory component, eggs are beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper, then cooked separately as an omelette or scrambled. The egg layer is placed on top of the sweetened noodles when serving, creating a contrast of flavors and textures that define Balaleet.

Cultural Significance

Balaleet is more than just a dish; it is a part of the cultural heritage of the Gulf region. It is often associated with hospitality and is commonly served to guests or during special occasions and festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The dish's unique combination of sweet and savory elements reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, where contrasting flavors are frequently paired to create complex and satisfying dishes.

Variations

While the basic ingredients of Balaleet remain consistent, variations exist from one region to another and even from one family to another. Some might add nuts like pistachios or almonds for added texture, while others might increase the amount of rose water or cardamom for a stronger flavor. In some areas, orange blossom water is used instead of rose water, offering a different fragrance and taste profile.

Serving

Balaleet is traditionally served at room temperature or slightly warmed. The sweet and savory layers are either mixed together before serving or presented separately, with the egg layer on top of the sweet noodles. It is often accompanied by Arabic coffee or tea, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

See Also

• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Vermicelli
• Ramadan
• Eid al-Fitr
• Eid al-Adha