EgyptianEgyptian Qamar el-Din Drink
A thick, cold apricot drink made from a sheet of qamar el-din soaked in hot water and blended smooth with cold water, a little sugar and orange blossom water. The first glass on many Ramadan tables.
Makes: About 1 liter, 4 glasses
- Prep:
- 10 minutes
- Cook:
- 7 minutes
- Waiting:
- 2 hours (Soak the qamar el-din for 2 hours.)
Method
Read the full method before starting. Cooking times are guides; check texture and doneness as you cook.
Shows the steps one at a time, with a timer for each timed step.
Sharp knife and board
Measure, cut, and arrange every ingredient in order of use. Read the full method and keep finishing ingredients separate.
- 01
Cutting
3 minutesCut the qamar el-din into small pieces with scissors and put them in a bowl.
Success cueSmall pieces about 2 cm.
- 02
Soaking
2 hours and 4 minutesMedium heatHeat 500 ml of the water until hot but not boiling, pour it over the pieces and leave them to soak for 2 hours, stirring once or twice.
Success cueThe pieces are soft and starting to dissolve.
- 03
Blending
3 minutesBlend the soaked qamar el-din with its water until completely smooth, then add the remaining 500 ml of cold water, the sugar and the orange blossom water and blend for 30 seconds.
Success cueA smooth orange drink with no lumps.
- 04
Serving
2 minutesTaste, adjust the sugar and serve very cold with ice.
Success cueThick, bright orange and very cold.
PlateMap is still in testing. Quantities and results may vary with ingredients and equipment. Please check food safety yourself, especially with meat and poultry.
Cooking tips
Blend the qamar el-din fully before adding the cold water; it never smooths out properly once it is thin.
- • Hot water softens the sheet much faster than cold water.
- • If it is too thick for you, add cold water a little at a time.
Common mistakes
- • Pouring boiling water over the sheet, which dulls its color and taste.
- • Adding all the water before blending, so lumps stay in the drink.
- • Adding sugar before tasting a sheet that is already sweet.
Substitutions
- • Instead of qamar el-din: 250 g dried apricots soaked overnight in the water and blended; the drink is lighter and less tangy
- • Instead of orange blossom water: rose water, or leave it out
Serving ideasServe very cold at iftar, after dates and water.
Potential allergens
Check ingredient labels
Compound ingredients vary by product; check labels and possible cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is qamar el-din the same as apricot juice?
Not quite. It is made from a dried sheet of cooked apricot paste, so it is thicker and tangier than fresh apricot juice.
Does it need sugar?
Taste first. Many sheets are already sweetened, so the sugar here is only to adjust the taste.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 days in a covered jug in the fridge. It thickens as it stands, so stir it and add a little water.
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