Qamar al-Din, a traditional Egyptian drink, is a staple during the holy month of Ramadan. This delightful beverage is made from dried apricot sheets and is cherished for its sweet, refreshing qualities. It’s often served to quench thirst after a day of fasting, providing both hydration and a burst of energy.
The flavor profile of Qamar al-Din is fruity and aromatic, with subtle floral notes from ingredients like rose water and orange blossom water. It is a versatile drink, enjoyed plain or with nuts and even paired with ice cream for a richer experience. Below are various methods to create and enjoy this beloved drink.
Ingredients
Qamar al-Din Juice
- Six cups of water
- Four cups of ice
- Six hundred grams of dried Qamar al-Din slices
- One tablespoon of rose water
- Two cups of sugar
- One tablespoon of orange blossom water
Qamar al-Din Syrup with Ice Cream
- Six pieces of dried and chopped apricots
- One and a half liters of water
- One package of Qamar al-Din
- One liter of vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup of sugar
Qamar al-Din Soak
- 250 grams of dried apricots
- 500 grams of Qamar al-Din
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- Walnuts as desired
- Almonds as desired
- Pistachios as desired
- Pine nuts as desired
- 250 grams of dried apricots or peaches
- Three and a half cups of hot water
- One teaspoon of cornstarch
Qamar al-Din Drink with Nuts
- One packet of Qamar al-Din
- Twenty chopped dried apricots
- One cup of golden raisins
- Water as needed
- Roasted almonds, pine nuts, and pistachios as desired
Preparation
Qamar al-Din Juice
- Cut the Qamar al-Din slices into medium-sized pieces.
- Place them with two cups of sugar and three cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
- Put the pot on low heat, stirring constantly until the Qamar al-Din pieces dissolve completely.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Add orange blossom water, rose water, and the remaining three cups of water. Stir well until combined.
- Crush the ice cubes, place them in serving cups, and pour the Qamar al-Din syrup over them. Serve immediately.
Qamar al-Din Syrup with Ice Cream
- Cut the Qamar al-Din into small pieces and place them in a deep pot.
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar and cover with water.
- Let the Qamar al-Din pieces soak for about an hour or until dissolved.
- Strain the mixture to obtain a concentrated syrup.
- In an electric blender, combine half a liter of ice cream with the concentrated syrup and blend until smooth.
- Pour into serving cups, add remaining ice cream, garnish with dried apricots, and serve immediately.
Qamar al-Din Soak
- Cut apricots into small pieces and place in a pot.
- Cover with hot water, cover the pot and let soak overnight.
- In a separate pot, boil softened apricots with a bit of water till soft. Remove apricots, add dried peaches, and boil until soft. Drain.
- Combine starch, soaked apricots, and sugar in a pot and cook on low heat until thickened.
- Add boiled apricots and peaches, mix well, pour into serving cups, and refrigerate. Decorate with soaked nuts and serve cold.
Qamar al-Din Drink with Nuts
- Cut the Qamar al-Din into small slices and place in a pot with dried apricots and raisins.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer until ingredients are dissolved and cooked.
- Pour into serving cups, let cool, and garnish with roasted nuts. Serve.
Did you know?
Qamar al-Din is often synonymous with Ramadan. This drink not only refreshes but also provides an energy boost due to its high sugar content. Dried apricots are rich in vitamins A and E, potassium, and fiber, making the drink both tasty and nutritious. Historically, Qamar al-Din originated from Syria, where the finest apricot sheets were produced and distributed across the Middle East.
Interestingly, Qamar al-Din was once so valuable that it was presented as a gift to royalty. Today, it remains a popular treat not just in Egypt but also in neighboring countries. Besides its delicious taste, consuming apricots can aid in improving digestion, supporting skin health, and boosting the immune system. Whether you are enjoying it plain, with nuts, or as a dessert with ice cream, Qamar al-Din is a versatile drink that is deeply embedded in Egyptian and Middle Eastern culture.
