Bint al-sahn

Bint al-Sahn is a traditional Yemeni dish, often served as a sweet dish or dessert. It is a type of pastry that is baked and then soaked in honey, giving it a distinctive sweet taste. The name Bint al-Sahn translates to "daughter of the dish", a name that reflects its central role in Yemeni meals and gatherings.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of Bint al-Sahn are flour, eggs, butter, and honey. The dough is made by mixing flour, eggs, and a small amount of butter. This dough is then divided into several layers, each of which is brushed with melted butter before being stacked on top of each other. The stacked layers are then baked until golden brown. After baking, the pastry is soaked in honey, which is absorbed by the layers of the dough, giving the dish its characteristic sweet taste.

Cultural Significance

Bint al-Sahn is often served at the beginning of a meal in Yemeni culture, contrary to the Western tradition of serving sweets at the end of a meal. It is a common dish in festive occasions and gatherings, and is particularly popular during the month of Ramadan. The dish is often enjoyed with a cup of Yemeni tea or Arabic coffee.

Variations

While the traditional Bint al-Sahn is made with honey, variations of the dish may include other sweeteners such as date syrup or molasses. Some versions may also include nuts, raisins, or other dried fruits.

See Also

• Yemeni cuisine
• List of pastries
• List of desserts