Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Qubani ka meeta

"Qubani- ka- meeta" a royal dessert from Hyderabad, India. The word " Qubani " in urdu meaning " Apricots" a sweet dessert made with apricots. This Exotic Hyderabadi dessert made with Apricots is sure to delight your tastebuds. There's nothing quite like a perfect nawabi dessert for your sweet tooth. "Qubani ka meeta" is served in the rich, royal weddings or on special ocassions. It is quick and easy to make recipe with very few ingredients. I agree it's an occasional treat, but it is simple to make to amaze your guests!

I made this recipe with the regular, dried, pitted apricots. If you find the brown apricots, it's excellent!! This is the first time I'm making it at home, after enjoying it in the Hyderabadi weddings. I used to think that it is made with dates, because of the brown colour. My muslim friends shared the secret of the recipe. I like some chunks of apricot  to remain when cooked or it will be totally like a baby food.

 
Ingredients:
Dried apricots - 1 cup, deseeded, soaked overnite
Sugar - 1 cup (Adjust accordingly)
Creme fraiche/ fresh cream/ whip cream/ Cool whip - few dallops to serve
Melon seeds - 1/2 tsp to garnish
 
Method:
  • De-seed, Soak dried Apricots overnight,
  • In a pan, fill water until it the apricots are just immersed and cook it on medium to slow fire until done.  It takes about one to two hours to become soft.  Stir occasionally. Cook until the water is almost evoporated.
  • Coarsely crush the apricots with the back of the spoon.
  • Add the sugar,  Stir  constantly  to make sure it is not burnt at the bottom.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool down

Serving suggestions:  In the serving bowl, put few spoons of apricot mixture and top it off with Cream. Garnish with almonds or melon seeds.  Serve chilled. You can also use custard to layer but it is optional. 

1 comment: