Omani Areeka
Areeka is a popular Omani breakfast dish, often enjoyed as a sweet and energizing meal. It's made from a base of whole wheat flatbread (similar to paratha) that is crumbled and mixed with dates, ghee, and then layered with fresh cream, condensed milk, honey, nuts, and sometimes bananas and cornflakes.
๐ง Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Active dry yeast
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups Warm water(approx.)
- 2 tbsp Ghee or butter(for cooking flatbread)
- 1 cup Dates(pitted and finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups Fresh cream(thick cream)
- 4 tbsp Honey(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Condensed milk(or to taste)
- 1 cup Cornflakes(plain)
- 0.5 cup Chopped nuts(e.g., cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1 medium Banana(sliced (optional))
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Gradually add vegetable oil and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. - 2
Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin, round flatbread (similar to a paratha).
๐ก Tip: The thickness can be adjusted to your preference, but thinner is generally preferred. - 3
Heat ghee or butter in a non-stick pan or on a griddle over medium heat. Cook each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. You can add a little more ghee/butter while cooking for crispiness.
- 4
Once cooked, tear the flatbreads into small pieces or pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix the crumbled flatbread with the finely chopped dates.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the flatbread is slightly cooled before crumbling to avoid it becoming too mushy. - 5
To assemble, spread a layer of the crumbled flatbread and date mixture in a serving dish. Top with a layer of fresh cream, followed by a drizzle of honey and condensed milk.
๐ก Tip: You can adjust the amount of cream, honey, and condensed milk to your sweetness preference. - 6
Add a layer of cornflakes, followed by chopped nuts and sliced banana (if using).
- 7
Drizzle with more honey and condensed milk before serving.
๐ก Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture, as the cornflakes can become soggy over time.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe quality of dates significantly impacts the flavor; use soft, sweet dates.
- โDon't over-process the flatbread; a slightly chunky texture is desirable.
- โAdjust sweetness by varying the amounts of honey and condensed milk.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include adding a touch of rose water or cardamom to the cream mixture.
- For a richer version, add a layer of mascarpone cheese or thick yogurt.