Sha3aybiyat, also known as “Sha3biyat,” is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that originates from the Levantine region, particularly Lebanon and Syria. The word “Sha3aybiyat” is derived from the Arabic word “Sha3b,” which means people, and the dessert is believed to have been popular among the common people, hence the name.
Sha3aybiyat is a type of sweet pastry that consists of thin layers of phyllo dough (also known as filo dough or yufka) that are filled with a delicious mixture of sweetened semolina or farina pudding. The semolina pudding is flavored with ingredients such as rose water, orange blossom water, or mastic resin, which gives the dessert its distinct aromatic and floral notes.
The preparation of Sha3aybiyat involves layering the phyllo dough and the semolina filling alternately to create a stack. Each layer of phyllo is brushed with melted butter or ghee to make the pastry crispy and golden brown when baked.
After layering the pastry, it is cut into diamond or square-shaped pieces before being baked in the oven until it becomes crispy and flaky, and the semolina filling sets.
Once baked, Sha3aybiyat is often drizzled with a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and sometimes flavored with lemon or orange zest. The syrup adds a delightful sweetness and moisture to the pastry, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Sha3aybiyat is a beloved dessert during festive occasions, family gatherings, and celebrations in Lebanon, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries. It is a delightful treat enjoyed by people of all ages, and its delicate layers of phyllo and aromatic semolina filling make it a unique and memorable dessert that represents the rich culinary heritage of the region.