Sticky to the touch, sweet and a little bit sour to the tongue, this is Qamar Eddeen or Kamar Eddeen paste. It is simply a thicker and stickier form of apricot paste.
Whenever the holly month of Ramadan is mentioned anywhere in the Middle East, Qamar Eddeen drink is the first thing to pop up in our minds. Cold and sweet drink that cools us down in this heat when we first break our fasting.
We also make a sweet Qamar Eddeen or apricot pudding with nuts that is so delicious. The base of this drink and the treat is the Qamar Eddeen paste.
The best Qamar Eddeen paste is usually made in Syria, it is the finest and most expensive one, but you can make it at home with simple ingredients. You can use fresh apricot fruit or use dried apricot as I did.
To make this delicious paste you will need:
- 2 cups of dried apricot – chopped.
- 1/2 cup of water.
- 1/4 cup of sugar.
- 1 tsp of lime juice.
In a heavy sauce pan over medium heat add the dried apricot, water, and lime juice, stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to boil then reduce heat and add sugar one Tbs at a time to reach the desired sweetness.
When the fruit pieces are completely tender, turn off the heat and let it set to cool down. If you feel the pieces are not tender enough add 1 Tbs of water at a time until it is completely done.
Line a 9X9 pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature.
Mean while, when your apricot mixture is cold enough to handle, transfer it to a blender and bled well until you get a spreadable paste. If you feel it is too thick for you you are welcome to add 1 Tbs of water to the blender and blend.
Place in your oven for almost 4 hours until it is dry but still sticky to the touch.
That’s it now you will have almost 300gm of Qamar Eddeen paste.
Here is a video on how to make this delicious paste on my youtube channel. Have a safe 4th of July :).
Wow, never seen anything like it, but I like apricots so I know I would love it!
ela h.
Ela, if life has blessed you with an apricot tree 🙂 you can use them making this paste or even make them thinner – by spreading in a larger pan- and make some roll ups for the kids. It is a great snack for the kiddos and adults as well.
Dear Amira, Ramadan Kareem! I hope your fasts are going well. It’s been so hot lately though and it’s hard to get going in the heat. IA, you are well. I’ve been SO busy that I haven’t and time to visit anyone or even update my own blog. Finally, today I found some time.
I have seen this paste in stores and my sister loves it. She just buys it to eat it. I’ve never had the drink you mention, how do you make it with the paste? And also the apricot dessert? In India we have an apricot dessert made with dried apricots and I want to see ifs similar to yours. Post the recipe one day.
I think my children would like this….it’s just like fruit roll ups!
Take care.
Btw, are you going to any masjid for tarawih? I don’t know what you have on the South side.
Nazneen
Nazneen dear, I missed you girl, Al hamdo lelaah that you are well my friend. It is hot indeed and many days we get thirsty when it is only noon!!! but it is the 8th of Ramadan already!!!! I cannot believe it. This holly month really speeds so fast.
For the drink, we cut the paste into pieces and soak them in water overnight then blend with sugar to your taste. It is very refreshing and sweet. For the pudding you just take the drink and make a pudding with it using corn starch and sprinkle nuts on top. I hope I can post details soon.
Some times I go to masjid Khadija to pray but I want to pay Abu Bakr a visit although I do not have much time as I will go to Egypt next Saturday In Shaa Allah.
As-Salaamu Alaykum Amira,
I’ve never had the drink but would love to try it, i will get the hubby to shop for some of this paste and have a go in sha Allah.
Allah grant you a safe trip to Egypt.
Jazakom Allah khairan Asmaa for your dua’a. Try the drink it is so delicious 🙂
Asalam O Alaikum Amira.
This is so new thing to me. I have to admit it that ever since I’ve come across your blog, I’m learning and getting to know new stuffs. (middle eastern cuisines, ofcourse )
This paste look yummy to me as I’m apricot lover sitting here. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This can be done with fresh apricot and I bet it is going to be even better. It is just hard to get fresh nice and ripe apricot here in Colorado. Thanks dear for your comment.
Such an interesting recipe Amira…I love the idea of the apricots…great as a snack.
Have a wonderful week 😀
Thanks Juliana, you too.
So kind of like a sticky fruit leather? It sounds incredibly addictive especially because I love apricots so much.
It is … delicious and sticky 🙂 reminds me so much of my childhood.
Amira: This reminds me a fruit roll-up… This apricot Middle-Eastern version looks quite delicious… I would love to give this a try! Wishing you a great Ramadan.
Thanks Denise, It is kind of roll up but sticker and thicker.
Totally good stuff! Would love this with a slice of cheese!
Woow this is a great idea …I’ve never thought of eating this with cheese.
This does remind of me of a fruit roll up. Looks so delicious!
Wishing you a great Ramadan!
Thanks Asmita. I hope you will try it.
This looks so delicious just like a roll up.
I’ve never heard of this before. You teach me something new every time I visit 😀 It sounds delicious! I adore apricots. Do you use the paste to create the drink?
Yes we do … Just cut it into small pieces and soak them in water for 3-4 hours then blend with more sugar if you like.
Ramadan kareem! what a wonderful recipe this is.. surely a new and a great one.. my neighbor just loaded me with apricots. I will love to try this recipe!
This is a great opportunity for you to try it… If you wanna make roll ups just bake in a larger pan so they will be thinner like the roll up. Thank Deepti and Ramadan kareem 🙂