Halawet el Jibn – Recipe and Preparation Method

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Halawet el Jibn – Recipe and Preparation Method

Halawet el Jibn, also known as “Sweet Cheese Rolls,” is one of the most iconic desserts of the Levant, especially in Syria—and particularly in the central cities of Homs and Hama.

This delightful sweet first appeared in the city of Hama over a century ago, making it the birthplace of this dessert. From there, it spread to other Syrian cities and became a symbol of Hama’s culinary identity. No visitor or tourist can pass through Hama without stopping at a traditional shop to taste its unforgettable flavor. Locals even developed special techniques to preserve it so visitors could take it abroad.

Beyond its taste, Halawet el Jibn is also rich in calories and nutrients. Just 160 grams contain about 561 calories, 35 grams of fat (23 of which are saturated), 128 milligrams of cholesterol, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein.

There are different types of this dessert: plain or filled, often decorated with pistachios, coconut, and cream. In the summer, it is traditionally topped with a scoop of Arabic-style ice cream.

Ingredients for Halawet el Jibn

Halawet el Jibn

 

  • 3 cups of water

  • 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water

  • 1 kilogram of white cheese, sliced into even pieces

  • ¾ cup of flour

  • 1 cup of sweetened milk

  • 1 ½ cups of semolina

  • 1 cup of ground pistachios (for garnish)

For the syrup (Qater):

  • 2 cups of sugar

  • 1 cup of water

  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

  • Chopped pistachios (for decoration)

Preparation Method

  1. Start by soaking the sliced cheese in a large bowl of water for five hours, changing the water every hour to reduce its saltiness.

  2. In another pot, pour the milk, add the flour and water, place over heat, and stir until the mixture begins to boil.

  3. Once boiling, add the orange blossom water and continue stirring until the ingredients are well blended.

  4. After soaking, place the cheese in a pan with hot water and stir until the cheese melts completely. Then add the semolina, stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

  5. Prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, and lemon juice in a pot. Bring to a boil, then set aside.

  6. Spread the cheese dough onto a tray greased with syrup. Fill with cheese or clotted cream as desired, roll it, drizzle with syrup, and refrigerate until set.

  7. Once chilled, cut into pieces, garnish with pistachios, and, for a traditional touch, top with Arabic ice cream before serving.

The result is a soft, creamy, and unforgettable dessert that showcases the authentic flavors of Syrian tradition.

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