Balah Al-Sham – Traditional Syrian Dessert

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Balah Al-Sham – Traditional Syrian Dessert

Balah Al-Sham is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that originated in Syria and is also popular in Iraq and Turkey. Its name means “Dates of the Levant,” as the sweets resemble short, golden date-shaped fingers. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pastries are soaked in syrup, making them an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Balah Al-Sham

 

Serves 5–6 people

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

For the Syrup:

  • 4 cups sugar

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Dough

  • In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.

  • Add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir well until it forms a soft dough.

  • Let the dough cool slightly. Then mix in the eggs, vanilla, oil, and sugar until smooth and combined.

Step 2: Fry the Pastries

  • Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan.

  • Place the dough into a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle.

  • Pipe short finger-shaped pieces of dough directly into the hot oil.

  • Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.

  • Remove and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Syrup

  • In another saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil and let it reduce to about half.

  • Add vanilla and lemon juice. Simmer until the syrup thickens slightly.

Step 4: Soak and Serve

  • Dip the fried pastries into the syrup, making sure they are well coated.

  • Remove and place them on a serving plate.

  • Optionally, sprinkle with grated nuts or coconut for garnish.

Serving

Serve cold for the best flavor and texture. Crispy, syrupy, and sweet—Balah Al-Sham is a classic Levantine dessert that never fails to impress.

Enjoy! 🍯✨

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