Qamar Al-Deen Recipe

Recipe Courtesy of African Food Network & Blessing Funmilayo

Across the Middle East, the arrival of Ramadan brings with it a familiar golden sweetness: Qamar Al-Deen, a rich apricot dessert made from dried apricot paste, often transformed into a smooth drink or sweet pudding. Its bright color and concentrated fruit flavor make it a beloved fixture on Ramadan tables, particularly at iftar, when families break the day’s fast together. More than a dessert, Qamar Al-Deen carries the taste of tradition, hospitality, and home. For generations of Arab Muslims, enjoying it during Ramadan has become a cherished ritual—a small, delicious reminder of family, community, and the rhythms of the holy month.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 Liter Milk

• 4 Tablespoons Sugar

• ¼ Teaspoon Powder Mastic or 3 Mastic Pods

• 1 Cup Cold Milk

• 5 Tablespoons Starch

For the Topping

• 1 Liter Qamar Al Deen Juice Reserve 1 Cup

• 4 TBSP Starch

• 1 TBSP Orange Blossom

• Sugar to taste since it’s store-bought and already sweetened

Method

For the base

1. Add one liter of milk to a sauce pan.

2. Sweeten with 4 tablespoons of sugar. You can add more to taste.

3. Add 1/4 tsp of mastic powder or 3 mastic pods.

4. Mix until sugar and mastic is dissolved.

5. Bring to boil.

6. Meanwhile mix 1 cup of cold milk with 5 TBSP of starch.

7. When the milk comes to its first boil add the milk/starch mixture.

8. Continue stirring until it thickens.

9. Serve in desired dish or cups.

For the topping

1. Since it's Ramadan I used store-bought Qamar Deen juice and its naturally sweet

2. For this recipe you need 1 liter of Qamar Deen juice, reserve one cup, and add the rest to a sauce pan.

3. Sweeten the Qamar Deen juice to your liking.

4. Mix the cup of reserved juice with 4 TBSPs of starch.

5. Once the juice bubbles, add in the reserved juice with starch.

6. Continue mixing and add in 1 TBSP of orange blossom for extra flavor.

7. Turn off heat and pour thickened juice to now cooled down milk.

8. Allow to sit on your counter till it comes down to room temperature.

9. Store in refrigerator covered with cling film until serving time.