Jazzarieh: Pumpkin Dessert

Wherever you are in the world, fall always screams pumpkin. While you might immediately crave some pumpkin pie or even a famous pumpkin spice latte, if you’re Lebanese we know you have a different list in mind. Surely you will jump in on the chance to make some pumpkin Kibbeh but what about the sweet side of things? Well we’re not sure you know this, but we already know you love it if you do. If it doesn’t ring a bell, try thinking of Southern delicacies. Orange and sweet Jazzarieh. Many are confused to know Jazzarieh is actually pumpkin based when the name implies it is made out of carrots

This wonderfully crunchy sweet is quite simple to make as it is similar to jam making with one additional ingredient that brings in the unique texture: Slaked Lime. Without this secret weapon the pumpkin will soften and will easily be squished with a wooden spoon. This dessert is popular not just in Arab countries but is also commonly popular in Turkey.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time: 18h

Serves : Approximately 500g

Ingredients you will need

1 Kg pumpkin
1 Kg sugar
150 g slaked lime
1.5 L water
1 lemon
100 g mixed nuts

Equipment

Bowl
Chopping board
Pot
Jar

Instructions

Method:

Dissolve slaked lime in the water
Peel the pumpkin and cut into small cubes or shreds to soak in the slaked lime water for at least 12 hours
After soaking, remove the pumpkin from the water and rinse repeatedly
Add the pumpkin to a bowl, squeeze a lemon and mix in to soak for about 15 minutes
After leaving the pumpkin in the lemon juice, add the sugar and leave in for 3 hours
Put the mixture in a pot and let it boil slowly for about an hour mixing frequently
Add the nuts and add the rest of the lemon juice then boil for 15 minutes more
Remove the Jazzarieh off the heat and serve cool

Questions and Tips

If you omit the slaked lime, you will end up with pumpkin jam that is soft in texture as opposed to Jazzarieh which holds its shape and stays crunchy.
When pumpkin is not available on hand some might choose to replace it with shredded carrots.
If the recipe is prepared using shredded pumpkin you can shape them into balls when taken off heat.

Benard Chedid

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