OMANI HALWAM "SWEET

Every country has some customs and traditions, whether in its doing or its food or another. For example, The Sultanate of Oman is from the old historic countries, BUT it still conservative by some of the old traditions. So, from these customs and traditions, some food called “Omani Halwa ‘Sweet’”.

In this article, I will talk about Omani Halwa in general form. And I will take some ideas and information to talk about, like:

*The history of Omani Halwa.

*The method of making Omani Halwa.

*When usually does Omani Halwa served?

* What is the approximate time to make Omani Halwa?

*How long Omani Halwa can be preserved?

Also I will talk about another point.

Omani Halwa “Sweet” is famous at home and abroad as symbol of traditional Omani hospitality and it’s the most important food is produced in Oman. Also it’s the mostly serving in celebrations. Omani Halwa also defines the Omani culture.

Every meal has a menu of the ingredients and we must bring each one of them. So, about Omani Halwa we must ready all of the menu’s contents. From these ingredients is saffron, rose water, cups of water, white and brown sugar, corn flour, cardamom powder and cup of ghee. Also we can use nut and pistachio for decorating the plate. Also we need a wood that which has been taken from some trees called “al-samer”, because it’s very hard and doesn’t make smoke or smell.

On the other hand, every meal has a plane to cook it. So, about Omani Halwa it has a special method for making it. First of all, soak saffron and cardamom in rose water. Second, mix three cups of water with two types of sugar “white + brown” in pot and bring it to the boil. Third, dissolve corn flour in remaining water and add to above mixture. Fourth, stir continuously on very gently heat. Fifth, add soaked saffron to mixture, then add cashew nut, ghee and stir. Sixth, served Omani Halwa in service dishes. Finally, sprinkle nut to garnish dishes.

Omani Halwa has a high quality. However, it can be preserved for more than four months. Also it usually put in the “Al-Dast”. It’s a large bowl which made of metal, plastic or pottery. Omani people eat Halwa during celebrations, festivals, weddings and other religious events. Omani Halwa produced in different regions in Oman, such as: Nizwa, Barka, Nakhl and Al-Hamra.

Omani people well known for their hospitality and offers of refreshment. To be invented into someone’s home will mean coffee kahwa, a strong, bitter drink flavoured with cardamom, and Halwa, a sticky sweet gelatinious substance. The sweetness of this dish often counteracts the bitterness of the kahwa.

The Omani Halwa is a very famous traditional dessert in Oman. Although I've been living in Oman for my whole life, I have only tried the Omani Halwa very few times and I really loved it. The first time I tried the Omani Halwa was before nine years ago when I was invited for a meal at my friend's house. But today I eat the Omani Halwa when I want like any meal, but it still very delicious! I think every one and every tourist MUST try the Omani Halwa!

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