"How to Make Warbats" by Elyana S.

Warbats are a traditional Middle Eastern sweet that are usually presented in events or gifted when visiting family. For as long as I can remember, my mother and grandmother would make these on the days we would have guests over or have a family reunion. They always proved tasty as every time the sweets were put out, these were the first to go. Although I was grateful for the abundant amount of delicious sweets, I never understood why every time we saw each other we would have to bring something homemade- until I started sitting with our elders. They explained to me that in our culture desserts are always used in celebration and are a symbol of thankfulness. When I learned about the meaning behind this dish, I fell in love with how my culture believed in giving back and unity. I began wanting to learn how to make these so I can be part of a huge value in my culture, but never seemed to have time. Recently, due to my enthusiasm for sweets and the unlimited free time during the beginning of quarantine, I started learning how to make these with my mom. At first it seemed so complicated, but after some practice it became second nature. This recipe allowed bonding time between my mom and I, it truly became our little tradition to bake these and take to our family in the neighborhood. This dish symbolizes family coming together and they’re my preferred Arab sweet, as they’re so versatile and are always delicious! I hope to bring some of that Middle Eastern hospitality to you guys through this tasty recipe!

Tools Needed:

❖  Measuring cups

❖   Tablespoons

❖   Multiple bowls

➢   Of varying sizes

❖   Mixing spoons

➢   Wooden for making the flling

➢   Stainless steel for the rest

❖   Baking brush

❖   Baking pan

❖   Small pots

➢   To melt butter

➢   Make the flling

❖   1 pint of whipping cream (ultra pasteurized)

❖   3 tablespoons of cornstarch

❖   1 tablespoon of sugar

❖   1 package of golden fake filo dough

❖   1 stick of unsalted butter

❖   1 capsule of rose blossom water

❖   2 cups of sugar

❖   1 cup of water

❖   Make the filling

➢   Mix cornstarch with whipping cream on low heat until it thickens

■     Use small pan and wooden spoon to create it

➢   Set aside until room temperature

❖   Make the syrup

➢   Mix 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of water and 1 capsule of rose blossom water

■     Use another small pan and mix with metal spoon

■     Keep on medium heat until it thickens

◆    Careful as it could become very hot and dangerous

●     Set aside until room temperature

❖   Melt the butter

➢   Place in bowl and microwave for 1 minute

❖   Get the dough sheets ready

➢   Separate each sheet and cover it with butter

■     Using a baking brush

■     Careful as they can rip easily

❖   Spread butter on baking pan

➢   using the same baking brush

❖   Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit

❖   Lay the buttered dough sheet fat and fold into threes

➢   Similar to the “hotdog method” but three folds

❖   Place filling at the bottom edge of the sheet

➢   Using a full tablespoon of the filling

❖   Fold up until the flling is covered

➢   About 2 inch fold

➢   Make sure to have a tight fold to ensure the flling does not escape the dough

❖   Fold the sheet across to the left then right

➢   Continue folding pattern until the sheet is shaped into a triangle

❖   Place each warbat on banking pan and spread butter on top of them

➢   When placing them place each warbat fat side matching with another to maximize the pan space

❖   When the pan is covered or dough is fnished, place in the oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown

➢   Should feel crunchy on the exterior

➢   Soft on the inside

❖   Once completed remove from oven and spread the syrup on them

➢   Each warbat should have a hefty amount of syrup on it

❖   Optional: place crumbled pistachios on each warbat

➢   Do immediately after syrup to ensure they stick

❖   Allow them to cool down and enjoy!

 

 

 

The fnal result should look similar to the image above. A nice golden-brown exterior with a crunchy texture and the inside should be fufy and smooth, and have a white color. It tastes like a sweet explosion in every bite, fulflling during any time of day. These can be placed in the refrigerator to keep fresh and could even be eaten cold! And they taste incredible even after microwaving! The recipe is really simple and very enjoyable, and I hope you guys give it a try. Thank you for reading this recipe and allowing me to share some of my culture with you guys!

E