Iraqi Shakar Lama – Ingredients and Preparation Method

on

Iraqi Shakar Lama – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Shakar Lama is a traditional Iraqi dessert, known for its light and crumbly texture, similar to ghraybeh in some parts of the Levant. It can be enjoyed with coffee or tea, and is often served as a treat during various occasions. It resembles cookies or biscuits and is considered a form of hospitality in Iraq.

From Arabicook.com, here are the ingredients and method for preparing Iraqi-style Shakar Lama.

Ingredients for Iraqi Shakar Lama

  • 5 cups of all-purpose white flour
  • 1 ½ cups of melted vegetable shortening or ghee
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 ¼ cups of powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Nuts (optional) for decoration, such as sliced almonds or peeled pistachios
  • Optional: jam for filling (as desired)

How to Prepare Iraqi Shakar Lama

Iraqi Shakar Lama

  1. Begin by sifting the flour and placing it in a bowl. Set it aside for later use.

  2. In a mixing bowl, add the melted vegetable shortening (or ghee) at room temperature.

  3. Add the powdered sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract to the shortening. Mix the ingredients well until they are smooth and fully combined.

  4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring continuously. Keep mixing until the dough forms and becomes firm. Stop adding flour once the dough has a cohesive texture.

  5. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls, then flatten them slightly to form round discs. These should not be too thin. Decorate the center of each disc with a nut, such as a sliced almond or peeled pistachio.

  6. Place the discs on a baking tray and bake them in the oven at a low temperature for 10 minutes. Make sure the cookies do not turn brown; they should remain pale.

  7. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.

  8. The cookies can be stored in a glass container to keep them from drying out and remain fresh for several days. Avoid placing paper towels underneath, as this could cause the cookies to dry out.

Enjoy your delicious Iraqi Shakar Lama, a perfect treat to share with family and friends!

Comments

Post a Comment