Bahraini Khabees
Khabees is a traditional sweet breakfast dish made from toasted flour, often flavored with cardamom and rose water, and garnished with nuts and coconut. It's a comforting porridge-like dish popular in the Gulf region, especially during Eid.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Whole wheat flour
- 1.25 cups Water
- 3-4 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon Rose water
- 2 tablespoons Grated coconut(plus more for garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoons Ghee(melted, plus more for drizzling)
- to taste Chopped nuts(e.g., pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
- to taste Raisins(for garnish)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a heavy-bottomed pan, toast the whole wheat flour over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure even toasting to avoid burnt flour. - 2
In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the sugar, cardamom powder, rose water, and salt.
💡 Tip: Adjust sugar to your preference. - 3
Gradually add the toasted flour to the boiling water, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, porridge-like consistency.
💡 Tip: Add more hot water if the mixture becomes too thick. - 4
Stir in the 2 tablespoons of grated coconut and 1-2 tablespoons of melted ghee. Mix well.
- 5
Pour the khabees into serving bowls. Drizzle with extra melted ghee and garnish with chopped nuts and raisins.
💡 Tip: Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toasting the flour properly is key to the flavor of Khabees.
- ✓Adjust sweetness and spice levels according to your preference.
- ✓Can be made with all-purpose flour as well, though whole wheat offers a nuttier flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for extra aroma.
- Use a mix of different nuts for garnish.
- Some recipes include a small amount of grated coconut mixed into the porridge.