This is a rarely known dessert that is eaten in Iraq and parts of Iran, and even there it isn’t well known.  It is a light easy to make cool dessert, that will sufficiently satisfy any sweet tooth.  I find the Maaqota is an underrated easy to make dish and it brings back great childhood memories for me.  It’s simple enough to warrant an attempt and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  It’s few ingredients mask the fact that the end product has a great exotic flavour which will turn a few heads if done right.

Time:

30 min

Serves:

4

Good for:

• Cold summer dessert
• Afternoon tea
• Easy to make

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of Water
• 8 tbsp Starch (corn or rice)
• 1 cup of Sugar
• 4 tbsp of diluted Saffron (a small batch of saffron strands sitting in warm water)
• ½ cup of Rose Water
• 3 tbsp of Shredded Coconut (to garnish)

Kitchen things you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan
• Serving cups

Making it:

• Mix the water, sugar and starch.
• Put the mix in a saucepan and heat on the stove on edium heat for 8-10 minutes, constantly stirring until the mixture slightly thickens.
• Add the rose water and diluted saffron and mix for a minute.
• Pour the mixture in the serving cups and fridge for at least a few (3) hours.
• Add the shredded coconut before serving as a garnish.

Tips/notes:

• You can also add cinnamon or chopped pistachios for more colour and flavour in the garnish.
• As an alternative, add ¼ cup of slivered almonds, slightly toasted to the liquid mixture and stir before pouring in the cups and fridging.  This will give a nice crunch.