Balaleet

Name: Balaleet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 200 g vermicelli pasta, broken; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 2 pinches saffron threads, crushed; 2 tbsp rose water; 4 eggs, whisked; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

A classic Arabian Gulf breakfast dish featuring sweet, cardamom-spiced vermicelli topped with a savory egg omelet.

30 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

Middle EasternBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-SodiumCorn-Free

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Ingredients

200 g vermicelli pasta, broken
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
2 pinches saffron threads, crushed
2 tbsp rose water
4 eggs, whisked
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1

Steep 2 pinches crushed saffron threads in 2 tbsp rose water in a small bowl.
2

Melt half of the 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a pot and brown half of the 200 g broken vermicelli pasta until golden.
3

Add remaining vermicelli pasta and water to cover, boil for 2 minutes, then drain.
4

Mix noodles with 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and the saffron rose water mixture over low heat for 5 minutes.
5

Beat 4 whisked eggs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper in a bowl.
6

Melt remaining unsalted butter in a skillet and fry eggs into a thin omelet.
7

Serve sweet vermicelli topped with the flat omelet.

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Questions

What is Balaleet?

A classic Arabian Gulf breakfast dish featuring sweet, cardamom-spiced vermicelli topped with a savory egg omelet. This reference files it under Middle Eastern breakfast: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 30 minutes start to finish.

What can I use instead of saffron in Balaleet?

The entry for Balaleet calls for 2 pinches saffron threads, crushed. In its place: Nothing reproduces the flavor of saffron. A pinch of turmeric supplies the color only.

Can I make Balaleet gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Balaleet is 200 g vermicelli pasta, broken. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Balaleet contain eggs?

Yes: 4 eggs, whisked. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How long does Balaleet keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Balaleet within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The pasta keeps drinking the sauce as it sits; loosen it with a splash of water or stock.

Serve it with

Jallab drink
Arabic Rice side
Beet Kvass drink

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