Lab E Shireen Recipe: A Sweet Arabian Delight
Lab E Shireen is an indulgent Arabian dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion, especially during festivals like Eid. This creamy custard-based dessert is made with a rich mixture of milk, vermicelli, and khoya (mawa), and it’s brought to life with colorful jellies, fresh fruit, and the delicate flavors of Rooh Afza sharbat. Whether you prepare it a day ahead for an easy assembly or whip it up fresh, this dessert will delight your guests with its smooth, refreshing, and vibrant appeal. The best part? It is incredibly versatile and can be customized with a variety of fruits and jellies, making it both visually stunning and full of flavor.
Cuisine: Arab
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Semiya (Vermicelli) | 1/2 cup (colorful optional) |
| Khoya (Mawa) | 1/2 cup |
| Rasgulla | 12 pieces, drained |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup (adjust to taste) |
| Jello (assorted colors) | 3 tablespoons |
| Rooh Afza Sharbat | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Cream | 1 cup |
| Custard Powder | 4 tablespoons |
| Mixed Fruits (cubed) | 200 grams |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Jellies:
- Begin by making the fruit-flavored jellies. Choose a variety of jello flavors for a colorful effect. For this recipe, watermelon, pineapple, and kiwi flavors work wonderfully. Follow the instructions on the package, but use only half the amount of water to ensure the jellies set firm and hold their shape when cut.
- Allow the jellies to cool and set. Once they are chilled, cut them into cubes or small pieces according to your preference. Set them aside.
-
Boil the Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk to a rolling boil over medium heat. Stir it continuously to prevent the milk from burning. Add the sugar to the boiling milk and continue stirring for another 10 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the milk condenses slightly.
-
Prepare the Rasgullas:
- In a small bowl, take about 1 cup of the boiling milk mixture and add the drained rasgullas. Set this mixture aside for later. The rasgullas will absorb the flavors and soak in the milk for a delightful texture.
-
Cook the Vermicelli:
- To the boiling milk and sugar mixture, add the colorful vermicelli (optional but adds a traditional touch). Stir constantly to prevent the vermicelli from sticking to the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the vermicelli is tender.
-
Add the Custard and Khoya:
- Once the vermicelli is cooked, dissolve the custard powder in about half a cup of cold water and add it to the milk mixture. Stir well to combine. The custard will begin to thicken as the mixture cooks.
- Grate the khoya and add it to the mixture, continuing to stir to prevent any lumps. The khoya will add a rich, creamy texture to the dessert, making it even more decadent.
-
Cool the Mixture:
- Once the mixture has thickened to a custard-like consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to the fridge. Allow the mixture to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you prefer to prepare it in advance.
-
Assemble the Lab E Shireen:
- After the custard mixture has chilled, take it out and gently stir in the cubed fresh fruit and prepared jellies. You can use a variety of fruits such as mango, apple, banana, or berries to complement the flavors. Mix everything together gently to ensure the fruit and jellies are evenly distributed throughout the custard.
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Finish with Cream:
- Finally, stir in the fresh cream and Rooh Afza sharbat, which will give the dessert its signature floral flavor and creamy texture.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the dessert to individual serving bowls or a large communal dish. Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Tips:
- If you prefer a firmer texture, increase the amount of custard powder slightly.
- You can make the vermicelli custard and jellies a day ahead, making this dessert perfect for party planning. Simply assemble the dessert before serving.
- For a more authentic touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds on top before serving.
Lab E Shireen is a delightful way to end a festive meal, offering a refreshing and flavorful treat that combines creamy custard, soft rasgullas, fresh fruits, and vibrant jellies. This easy-to-assemble dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more. Perfect for Eid or any special occasion, Lab E Shireen is a true celebration of taste and tradition.
