Mozzarella Cheese Sweet with Pistachios (Halawat Al Jibn Recipe)

Halawat Al Jibn (cheese dessert) is known for being lighter than many traditional Arabic sweets, making it a popular choice for hospitality. This version combines mozzarella cheese, cream, and pistachios for a rich yet delicate dessert with a luxurious texture.

⏱ Cooking Time

60 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧 Serves

6 people

🧾 Ingredients

🍯 Syrup (Qatar)

• 2 cups sugar

• 1½ cups water

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

🥛 Milk Curds

• 1 liter milk

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

🍮 Pudding Cream Filling

• 250 ml cream (1 cup)

• 2 cups milk

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water

🧀 Cheese Dough

• 500 g mozzarella cheese (grated)

• 1½ cups warm water

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup fine semolina

• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water

🌿 Decoration

• Ground pistachios (as needed)

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Prepare the syrup

Boil sugar and water without stirring until dissolved. Add lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make milk curds

Heat milk until nearly boiling, then add lemon juice. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until curds form. Strain using a clean cloth and set aside.

3. Prepare pudding filling

Mix cornstarch with a little cold milk, then add remaining milk. Cook over high heat while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and add orange blossom water.

Mix with cream and milk curds, then chill.

4. Prepare cheese dough

Boil water and sugar, then add semolina while whisking. Add mozzarella and stir until a smooth dough forms.

Place on a surface lightly coated with syrup and knead until soft and smooth. Roll into a square sheet.

5. Assemble

Pipe the filling onto one edge of the dough, roll it twice, then cut. Repeat until all mixture is used.

6. Chill & serve

Refrigerate rolls for 1 hour, then cut and garnish with pistachios. Serve with light syrup.

🍽 Serving Tip

For best taste, serve chilled with a light drizzle of syrup and extra crushed pistachios on top.