Qubani Ka Meetha or Stewed Apricot dessert or Dried Apricot Compote is a popular dessert from Hyderabad (a metropolis in the South of India).
‘Qubani’ means Apricot in ‘Urdu’ language. It’s spelt either as ‘Qubani’ or ‘Khubani’; both meaning the same. And ‘Meetha’ means dessert.
History of ‘Qubani Ka Meetha’
Before sharing the story of this desert, let’s talk about the origins of apricot itself!
The fruit, originally from China was imported to Europe and Central Asia through India. Since apricots are perishable, the dried form was used for export purpose. It was during this period that India was acquainted with this fruit/ dry fruit.
Isn’t it an interesting piece of history!
Now coming back to the desert….
King Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty rule in India, is the one responsible to bring the desert to India. Back then, it remained a delicacy only for the rich and royals for a long time after it was introduced. The reason being, apricots weren’t a native fruit to India and only the rich could afford to get them imported.
Hmm…are dried Apricots healthy?
Well anything when consumed in correct proportion is always healthy. It’s the same with dried apricots (or fruits) as well. They are a good source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium & Vitamin A. One should also keep in mind that any dried fruit has higher sugar content when compared to its fresh fruit counter part. Hence eating dried fruits in excess isn’t good for dental health.
About the Recipe
This dessert, like any other traditional recipe requires one to have patience and follow the technique. With a few ingredients we can create magic ✨ Remaining would be a cakewalk!
Traditionally, you begin prepping by soaking the apricots in sufficient water overnight. Next day, they are deseeded and the kernels kept aside. The kernels can be broken and the almonds found inside can be used in the recipe/ for garnish, while the hard cover be discarded. These days deseeded apricots are easily available in any grocery store.
The deseeded apricots are then slow cooked with water, sugar (optional), and almonds.
I tried adding some extra flavor by adding cardamom powder and saffron strands.
Other Dessert recipes: Dates Candy, Apple Maple Cake, Red velvet cake & Mini strawberry mousse pie
Celebrating the spirit of being a Hyderabadi
As a Hyderabadi, through this post, I would like to bring to my readers a simple, healthy and flavorful dessert from Hyderabad.
If you like the recipe or make “Qubani Ka Meetha”, please be sure to leave a comment. Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe and decide to post, please be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook!
Qubani Ka Meetha or Stewed Apricot dessert
Ingredients
- 30 nos dried Apricots deseeded
- sugar/ powdered sugar as required (optional)
- 8-10 nos Almonds or as required, chopped
- 2 nos cardamon pods powdered (optional)
- a pinch saffron (optional)
- water as required
Instructions
- I have use deseeded apricots in this recipe but this recipe is good for regular apricots with kernels as well.
- Rinse and soak the apricots overnight in sufficient water. All apricots should be well immersed in water.
- Once they become rehydrated and plump, remove the apricots and keep the water aside.
- If you are working with seeded apricots: deseed them and keep the kernels aside.
- Break the kernels and keep the almonds that you get from within aside and throw away the hard kernels.
- In a medium sized pan, transfer the plump apricots and a cup of strained apricot water.
- On a low flame cook them while stirring occasionally. You can break the apricots with the cooking spatula/ spoon. If the mixture looks dry, add additional strained water. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
- Now add powdered sugar/ sugar (as required) and mix. Cook for another 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Next add chopped almonds, cardamon powder and saffron strands and stir well.
- Qubani ka meetha is ready! Serve it hot or cold with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Deseeded apricots are easily and widely available across groceries stores. It’s an easy swap for the ones with kernels.
- Since dried apricots are naturally sweet, one can avoid adding sugar if they want to create a sugar-free dessert.
- The almonds from the apricot kernels can be roughly chopped and used in the end.
- Along with almonds, pistachios can also be chopped and added to it.
- Traditionally, this dessert is served with heavy cream. With time, Vanilla ice cream has replaced cream. Both sides are equally good.
Nutrition
Trying recipe. Will post results depending on outcome ?
Glad you are trying it. Hope you all enjoy it as well
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.