My Recipe Box

Vegetable Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli)

A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with sweet vermicelli, vegetables, and spices, perfect for special occasions.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 20-30 mins
Serves: 6
Author: FatimaA88

3.9 / 5 (642)


Ingredients

Pasta and Grains
  • Vermicelli

    200 grams

Vegetables
  • Carrots

    2 medium

  • Zucchini

    1 medium

  • Bell Peppers

    1 large

Spices and Sweeteners
  • Cinnamon

    a pinch

  • Cardamom

    a pinch

  • Sugar

    100 grams

Dairy and Oils
  • Ghee or Vegetable Oil

    2 tablespoons

  • Rose Water

    1 tablespoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by boiling the vermicelli according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.

    Boiling the vermicelli is the first step in making Vegetable Balaleet. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the correct boiling time to achieve the perfect texture. Once boiled, drain the water and set the vermicelli aside for later use.

  • 2
    In a large skillet, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat and sauté the grated carrots and sliced zucchini until they are tender.

    Heat the ghee or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and sliced zucchini. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables.

  • 3
    Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

    Once the carrots and zucchini are tender, add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the bell peppers to slightly soften and blend their flavor with the other vegetables.

  • 4
    In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.

    In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This mixture will add the sweetness and aromatic flavor to the Vegetable Balaleet.

  • 5
    Add the sugar and spice mixture to the skillet with the vegetables and stir well to combine.

    Add the sugar and spice mixture to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to ensure that the sugar and spices are evenly distributed and coat the vegetables. This step is important for achieving the balanced flavor of the dish.

  • 6
    Finally, add the cooked vermicelli to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the vegetable and sugar mixture.

    Add the cooked vermicelli to the skillet with the vegetable and sugar mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the vermicelli is well coated with the flavors from the vegetables and spices. Be careful not to break the vermicelli during this process.

  • 7
    Serve the Vegetable Balaleet warm, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired.

    Once everything is well combined, serve the Vegetable Balaleet warm. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. This dish is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to a day and reheated when needed.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

237

4

212

3

119

2

55

1

19

Reviews

  • ZeeAli23

    ### A Sweet and Adventurous Take on Vegetable Balaleet I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Vegetable Balaleet recipe, and I must say, it was quite an intriguing experience. As someone who appreciates the rich flavors of Somali and Middle Eastern cuisine, I was excited to see how this traditional dessert would turn out. The combination of sweet vermicelli, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, all infused with the warmth of cinnamon and cardamom, was absolutely delightful. The addition of rose water gave it a unique twist that I thoroughly enjoyed. While I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my lactose intolerance, substituting ghee with a non-dairy alternative worked perfectly. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that I found the preparation time to be a bit longer than expected, but the end result was well worth the effort. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting, especially those who appreciate the sweetness and aromatic flavors commonly found in Middle Eastern desserts.

  • AishaTheGreat88

    This Vegetable Balaleet recipe offers an intriguing blend of traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a sweet and savory twist. As a vegetarian who appreciates exploring various cuisines, I found the combination of vermicelli, vegetables, and spices to be quite appealing. The detailed instructions were helpful, although I would suggest a note on substituting ghee with lactose-free alternatives, given my lactose intolerance. The use of rose water could further enhance the flavor profile. Overall, a meticulous approach to preparation yields a delightful dessert experience.

  • AstroNerd22

    An intriguing twist on traditional desserts, Vegetable Balaleet showcases a unique fusion of flavors and textures. As a vegetarian with a penchant for Scandinavian cuisine, I appreciate the creative use of vegetables in a sweet dish. The combination of sweet vermicelli, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, is reminiscent of the Nordic emphasis on local ingredients and innovative flavor profiles. However, I would have preferred a soy-free alternative to ghee or vegetable oil, given my allergy. From a biochemical perspective, the Maillard reaction between the vegetables and sugars during cooking likely contributes to the development of the dish's complex flavor profile. Overall, I would recommend Vegetable Balaleet to adventurous eaters seeking a novel dessert experience, with the caveat that a soy-free oil substitute be used.

  • Fati1991

    Assalamu alaikum, I recently had the pleasure of trying the Vegetable Balaleet recipe, and I must say it was quite delightful, insha'Allah. As someone who strictly follows Islamic dietary laws, I appreciated that this recipe only used halal ingredients. The combination of sweet vermicelli, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with the warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, created a unique and flavorful dish. I did have to make a slight adjustment by substituting ghee with a vegetable oil to accommodate my dietary needs, but it didn't affect the overall taste. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that I had to be mindful of the sugar content, as I was looking for a slightly sweeter dessert. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a traditional Middle Eastern dessert with a twist. May Allah bless the creator of this recipe for sharing it with the community.

  • YaraBP

    Eu não sou muito fã de doces tradicionais do Oriente Médio, mas estou sempre disposta a experimentar! Infelizmente, o Vegetable Balaleet não foi o meu favorito. A combinação de vegetais com vermicelli doce foi um pouco confusa para mim. Eu prefiro algo mais simples e com frutas tropicais, como um açaí bowl. Além disso, não gostei muito do uso de ghee ou óleo vegetal, eu prefiro opções mais saudáveis. No entanto, eu acho que a ideia de combinar especiarias como canela e cardamomo é interessante e pode ser adaptada para outros pratos. Talvez eu tente adaptar a receita para incluir frutas tropicais e substituir o ghee por uma opção mais saudável. Quem sabe, talvez eu descubra um novo prato favorito!

  • EitanTheTech

    I tried this Vegetable Balaleet recipe and was surprised by combination of sweet vermicelli and vegetables. As someone who loves traditional Israeli cuisine, I appreciate the Middle Eastern roots of this dish. However, I must admit that the carb content of this recipe, with the vermicelli and sugar, is a bit higher than I would like. I was impressed by the use of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, which added a nice crunch and flavor to the dish. The addition of cinnamon and cardamom gave it a warm and aromatic taste. I think this recipe could be a good option for special occasions, but I would need to consider some modifications to make it more suitable for my dietary preferences. Perhaps using a low-carb alternative to vermicelli or reducing the amount of sugar used could make it more appealing to me. Overall, it was an interesting and tasty experience, but not a daily option for me.

  • KT989

    I try Vegetable Balaleet, but it not match my flavor. I like meat, you know? Korean BBQ and ramen my favorite. This dish all vegetable and sweet, no meat. Also, I see ingredient list and worry about lactose intolerance. I not sure if ghee or vegetable oil okay, but I think it okay. My English not perfect, but I try best to understand recipe. Preparation and cooking time seem reasonable, 30-40 minutes preparation and 20-30 minutes cooking. But for me, I think I need find different recipe with meat, maybe add some beef or chicken. Then I give 5 stars. Now, I give 2 stars.

  • AkiraSan90

    I must say, I was quite intrigued by the Vegetable Balaleet recipe. As someone who appreciates traditional cuisines, I enjoyed learning about this Middle Eastern dessert. The combination of sweet vermicelli, vegetables, and spices seems unique and fascinating. I appreciate the detailed instructions, which made it easy to follow along. However, I must admit that I'm not sure if I'd enjoy the sweetness of the dish, given my preference for more savory flavors in Japanese cuisine. Nonetheless, I think it's a great recipe for those who enjoy trying new flavors and traditions. Thank you for sharing!

  • NinaVDM

    I just tried the Vegetable Balaleet recipe and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. As a flexitarian who's always on the lookout for new stamppot ideas (don't ask, it's a thing), I was excited to give this Middle Eastern dessert a go. The combination of sweet vermicelli, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers was... interesting. I mean, who wouldn't want to add some veggies to their dessert, right? The cinnamon and cardamom were a nice touch, but I have to say, I was a bit skeptical about the whole thing. The rose water is a nice addition, but I think I might have added a bit too much (don't tell anyone, but I used the non-dairy milk to mix it in). My lactose intolerance was thankfully spared, so that's a win. All in all, I'd give it 4 stars - it's definitely an adventure, but I might need to tweak the recipe to make it a staple. Would I make it again? Maybe, but only if I'm feeling fancy and want to impress some friends with my exotic dessert skills.

  • LeilaLovesLearning

    I appreciate this unique dessert recipe. The use of sweet vermicelli with vegetables and spices is fascinating. The instructions are clear and concise. I particularly like the combination of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers with cinnamon and cardamom. The addition of rose water could enhance the flavor profile. I will prepare this recipe soon, substituting ghee with vegetable oil due to my preference and dietary requirements.