Qater (or Sheera) is the Middle Eastern version of simple syrup. While most simple syrups use cinnamon or even star anise, this recipe uses orange blossom water to add a unique flavor. Most Middle Eastern dessert recipes require this syrup as the final magical touch to enhance the overall experience.
If you know how to boil water, then you will be able to prepare Qater. This sweetener is easy to prepare, requires affordable ingredients, and because time is gold, it will be ready in just 15 minutes. Sweet deal, right?
Lights up Your Dessert!
Drizzle It on Your favorite Dessert
Qater is the cherry on top for most Middle Eastern desserts. It is a must-have on your table when you are serving almost every dessert, especially the delightful Halawat el Jibn (Sweet Cheese Rolls); they complement each other perfectly. Oh! Next time you serve some delicious Atayef, make sure to have your syrup ready. These two are inseparable.
Knafeh Cheesecake also needs a drizzle of Qater to make it succulent. And to indulge your sweet tooth, give these Easy No Bake Knafeh Cups a shot, and make sure to pour Qater according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qater can last a month in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before storing it.
Some bakers add Qater to their cakes to make them moist. Be careful not to add too much, or it will turn out too sweet and soggy.
If you need to store Qater for longer than a month then it has to be frozen.
Deliciously Sweet!
Tips and Tricks
While stirring, be sure to remove the sugar buildup on the bottom of the pot.
You can prepare your qater ahead of time and refrigerate it for later usage.
If you need to make larger quantities, you just have to double the recipe.
Follow the instructions and use medium heat.
Ingredients
Sugar: It is the main ingredient that gives your syrup the sweet flavor.
Lemon Juice: to dissolve the sugar.
Orange Blossom Water: the flavor twist.
Water: This helps in mixing the ingredients well and thinning the syrup.
Steps to Prep
First, add the sugar and water to a pot and let it come to a boil on medium heat.
Next, stir to remove sugar buildup on the bottom of the pot.
Then, once it starts boiling, add the orange blossom and lemon.
Finally, let it boil for 15 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Give Your Desserts a Good Drizzle!
Must Try Recipes:
Palestinian Sesame Tea Cookies
Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert)
Middle Eastern Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb)
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Qater (Sheera)
Ingredients
- 3½ cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a pot and let it come to a boil on medium heat.
- Stir to remove sugar buildup on the bottom of the pot.
- Once it starts boiling, add the orange blossom and lemon.
- Let it boil for 15 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Notes
- While stirring, be sure to remove the sugar buildup on the bottom of the pot.
- You can prepare your Qater ahead of time and refrigerate it for later usage.
- If you need to make larger quantities, double the amounts of the ingredients.
- Follow the instructions and use medium heat.
You can’t mess this up! Pop in the fridge if you have left over for later use.