Maʾmounia

maʾmounia a Middle Eastern sweet which is the ancestor of other types popular all over the region and in India. The original version and its variant basbousa may be classed as puddings; but another descendant, halva, has become so concentrated and rich as to enter the realm of confectionery.

Maʾmounia was probably named after the Caliph Maʾmoun who reigned in the 10th century. Originally it was made from a thin sugar syrup thickened with rice cooked in fat. Now semolina is used, and the preferred fat is butter. A modern Syrian version which is a speciality of Aleppo is flavoured with lemon juice. The sticky, soft dessert is served warm, sprinkled with powdered cinnamon and spread with eishta (clotted cream, see kaymak).