The second major Islamic celebration of Eid Al-Adha takes place after Haj. Muslims around the world are expected to distribute sheep meat among the less fortunate people in the region.

Each country has its own traditions in place to celebrate the occasion. Eid in Saudi Arabia means a time to celebrate with lots of food and sweets.

Saudi pastry chef Intesar Bakr provides us with recipes of traditional Saudi treats that are prepared during Eid.

Maamoul:

It is a famous sweet stuffed with dates and baked by local women in the Western region.

What you need:

2 cups soft butter

1 cup corn oil

2 large eggs

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

6.5 cups flour

1 teaspoon instant yeast

2 teaspoon baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 cup powder milk

Filling ingredients:

3 cups soft dates

1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds

1 teaspoon anize seed

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 tablespoon soft butter

How to bake:

In an electric mixer, put butter and oil and pulse for 2 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time beating after each addition.

Change the whisk of the mixer to the dough hook, add rest of the ingredients.

Mix on medium speed until the dough separates from the edge of the bowl.

For filling:

Mix all ingredients together by hand and shape into walnut size balls.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take a walnut size ball of dough, hide the date ball in the middle and shape into a ball. Put the ball of dough in the Maamoul mold and pat gently. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.

Sprinkle powdered sugar for garnish.



Ghuraiba:

It is especially popular during Eid Al-Adha and is sold in bakeries and factories. However, there’s nothing like home-baked Ghuraiba.

What you need:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 cups soft butter

5 cups flour

1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Roasted almonds for garnish

How to make:

Mix sugar and butter well in an electric mixing bowl.

Gradually add the flour and cardamom. Mix until you have soft dough.

Make small balls of dough and garnish with an almond in the middle.

Bake on medium heat for 15 minutes.

Let it cool on the baking sheet.

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