Next on the list is Oman for O and there was no choice for anybody in the group. Unless somebody came up with an alternate name for the country. Now that I think, I am hoping there was something like that. Anyway coming to my own choice, this was again into Arabian cuisines, very much like the other Arab countries.
I am not sure why however I landed with no choice at all. All I could see were recipes for desserts/sweets and the main course was only with nonveg. I was hoping that the dessert I made will be liked by the rest. It was Oman Halawet Ahmad from shenanchie site or Omani noodle dessert. I even saw a couple of videos showing how this is done.
The noodles used are very thin and in fact, says cook as per instructions. I couldn't get thin rice noodles or with vermicelli. The vermicelli I had were quite thin and I decided I should simply go ahead with it. So after seeing the videos and spending quite some time on a recipe that turned out to be so simple, I decided not to cook it very soft.
The pictures on the net were so captivating and I was hoping to replicate something of that sort. I roasted the vermicelli quite well and didn't cook it very soft, making sure it was crispy. Then when condensed milk was added, it sort of became stiff and crunchy.
After making it, to mold it, one needs to put it in a muffin tray. My colleagues were very much taken in by the taste and the look and wanted to make it. I clarified that the muffin tray for just for molding and no baking actually happens.
Konda actually loves the vermicelli payasam that Amma makes. Amma has the tradition of making Semiya Payasam for Saturday Neivedyam. so a bowl of it ends up on our table as well. Sometime back we have strictly requested her not to send it across as we wanted to keep off sweets. Konda wanted to know why I never learnt making payasam.
I actually didn't know what to say. I just say, when Ammamma makes it every week, where is the chance for me to make and on top nobody eats it at home, update: I seem to have ended up confusing with my statement here, I meant I don't get a chance to make payasam. However, I do know how to make..:)..99% of the payasams on both the blogs are made by yours truly..lol.
So while I was making this dessert, this was we were remembering and chucking that it took this BM for me to make a version of payasam at home. Well if not the exactly payasam, some sweet with vermicelli. Konda simply loved it and even took the close up pictures, saying the close-up pictures look great.
I normally take the final pictures in either DSLR or even the one P&S I use for sbs, however looking at how Konda was eyeing this dessert, I thought I should let her click some.
Did I tell you of all the ingredients, Chinnu seem to have taken a fancy to the Vermicelli and wants the savory version of it for his lunch box, at least once a week? Well, it is sans any onions, curry leaves, it can have those tiny black dots but nothing beyond that. So when I make the savory semiya upma, I have to parse all the stuff, thankfully leaving the mustard back.
When I showed them what I was making, they politely refused saying, they will stick to the semiya they know.
Anyway whoever ate this, surely enjoyed it
Priya Suresh says
Omg, this omani noodles dessert looks dangerously addictive, too good, will try some soon.
Suma Gandlur says
From the time we have known, my mother always prepared semya payasam as friday neivedyam and it had become somewhat like familiarity breeds contempt kind of situation for me and my sister. 🙂 Now I have begun to appreciate it again somehow and my son loves it. 🙂 And valli I can't believe you saying that you never learnt making vermicelli kheer. :))
The dish is yummy for sure. I saw this at Nestle website and I am going to try this later. And seems like your daughter is enjoying this marathon equally.
Varadas Kitchen says
Konda's close up pictures look great! Nice dessert.
Usha says
Even I was attracted to the Arabic desserts when it came to the middle eastern and Arabic countries. Those desserts are sinfully delicious and so is the one you made for Oman. 🙂
vaishali sabnani says
That's a wonderful dessert Valli..we do get very thin vermicilli which is made of wheat, but the one you have used looks perfect, making the dessert look so pretty.
Srivalli says
Thanks everybody...Konda is surely enjoying herself..:)
Suma Actually I meant that since Amma makes it regularly, I never get a chance to make..LOL
Sapana Behl says
That is an interesting dessert and I like the way you presented it.
Jayashree says
A very different and interesting dessert, Valli.
My experiments with food
Harini-Jaya R says
The Arabian desserts have a very addictive streak in them. I am sure this falls in that category 🙂
The Pumpkin Farm says
there is a budding artist at your home..she is clicking away to glory...and beautifully presented lovely recipe
Pavani N says
That is a simple but very flavorful dessert with vermicelli. Love the way they are presented--makes the dish very appealing.
Manjula Bharath says
This sweet was sure an addictive one isn't it 🙂 Hi 5 valli I even made them , you daughter is really very exited about this mega Bm isn't she 🙂 very nice to see her mention in each and every post , she is even taking lots of efforts , kudos to her 🙂 very very tempting and delicious halwet , make me drool:)
Kalyani says
had bookmarked this one too for Oman.. but no one would eat any sweets so had to change to something else ! love the idea of using muffin pans to get the shape...
Gayathri Kumar says
Very interesting to read all the behind the scenes Valli. Interesting preparation and it looks so lovely..
Archana Potdar says
Valli I love the way you have made the halwa. I wanted to make it too but shelved the plan. Still hoarding the packet.
Valli not made Payasam? That should go in your ICC must be;D
Priya Srinivasan says
I too saw this @ Nestle webpage, have bookmarked to try later. Love that cute shape & great thought on using muffin mould to shape it!!!
Padmajha PJ says
Dish sounds delicious and looks great too.My EO is like Chinnu - no onions / any other additions to dishes like curries ! I sometimes wonder how she eats like that!!And LOL on ur payasam update 🙂