Sabaya, a cherished Middle Eastern dessert, offers a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors, creating a truly irresistible treat. Its fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth consistency make it a favorite for celebrations and everyday enjoyment alike. This simple yet elegant dessert boasts a surprisingly quick preparation time, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The unique combination of semolina, sugar, and fragrant spices results in a uniquely pleasing culinary experience. Its versatility also allows for creative adaptations, from adding nuts to incorporating various extracts to customize the flavor profile.
Discover the secrets to crafting the perfect fluffy Sabaya with our comprehensive, step-by-step guide. We'll walk you through each stage of the process, ensuring you achieve that light, airy texture and the rich, satisfying taste that defines this beloved dessert. From preparing the batter to achieving the ideal baking consistency, our guide provides all the necessary instructions to confidently create this Middle Eastern delicacy in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Plastic cover ring or wrap
- Dough mixer (optional)
- 18-inch pizza pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- Butter: 1 lb
- Eggs: 5
- Carnation milk or regular milk: 1 ½ cups
- Aunt Jamaa flour: 1 ½ cups
- All-purpose flour: 7 cups
- Water: 2 cups
- Black seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
- Melt 1 lb of butter on medium heat, swirling constantly until golden brown.
- Warm 5 eggs in warm water.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 eggs, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black seeds.
- Add 1 ½ cups Aunt Jamaa flour and 7 cups all-purpose flour to the egg mixture.
- Gradually add 2 cups of warm water, mixing with your hands or a dough mixer until a dough forms. Add more water if needed to reach a thick consistency.
- Add 3 tablespoons of melted butter to the dough, mixing until moist and tender.
- Lightly oil a small bowl. Take small pieces of dough, coat them in the oiled bowl, and flatten them. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Place the flattened dough pieces onto the prepared floured countertop, overlapping slightly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Flip each dough layer to coat with flour, making them easier to handle.
Step 2. Assemble and Shape the Sabaya
- Prepare countertop by spreading all-purpose flour on a plastic surface.
- Lightly oil the flattened dough layers with vegetable oil.
- Oil an 18-inch pizza pan and lightly dust with flour.
- Carefully place the dough layers onto the prepared pizza pan, pulling and stretching them to create volume and air pockets.
- Cut off excess dough from the edges, leaving about 2 inches of overhang.
- Optionally, create decorative designs with the leftover dough and place on top.
Step 3. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the layers with a mixture of half the melted butter and half vegetable oil (or use all melted butter).
- Gently brush the top with the egg yolk and milk mixture.
Step 4. Bake the Sabaya
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown.
Read more: Emirati Chebab Pancakes: Authentic Arabic Breakfast Recipe
Tips
- If you don't have Aunt Jamaa flour, you can substitute with yeast, but it requires rising time.
- Don't worry if the dough rips while layering; this helps create volume.
- Cutting half of the excess dough prevents the Sabaya from collapsing during baking. The leftover dough can be used to make more Sabaya or other treats.
- Honey is a delicious topping for Sabaya.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 6700
- Fat: approximately 400g
- Carbs: approximately 700g
- Protein: approximately 100g
FAQs
1. My Sabaya is too dense, what went wrong?
This usually happens if you overmix the batter or bake it for too long. Ensure you gently fold in the ingredients and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
2. Can I substitute the semolina flour?
While semolina is traditional, you can experiment with fine or medium-ground polenta as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.
With its delightful texture and rich flavor, your homemade fluffy Sabaya is sure to impress. This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and satisfaction of traditional Middle Eastern desserts. Enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends, and savor the delicious results of your culinary efforts!