Ever find yourself longing for something sweet and fragrant, yet fresh and light? Picture this: a burst of vibrant colors and flavors in a glass—it’s like a summer garden party for your taste buds.
This Lebanese fruit cocktail with rose water and Atha cream is not just a treat; it’s a sensory experience. The floral notes of rose water? They’re like a gentle breeze whispering through a garden, while the creamy Atha adds a touch of indulgence that feels like a warm hug.
Steps
- Wash and prepare all the fruits by cutting strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, and pineapple into one-inch cubes, leaving a few slices of kiwi and pineapple for garnish. Slice the bananas as well.
- Heat milk in a small pot over medium heat until it begins to bubble at the edges. Stir in rose water and orange blossom water, then add lemon juice to cause the milk to clot.
- Set up a large strainer over a medium bowl. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the clotted cream from the pot into the strainer, continuing until the remaining liquid is a clear or yellowish hue. Add more lemon juice if the milk doesn’t clot sufficiently and refrigerate the Ashta until needed.
- In a blender, combine one pound of strawberries with half a cup of water and blend until it reaches a smooth, juice-like consistency. Alternatively, use two cups of any preferred juice.
- Fill serving glasses halfway with the cubed fruits. Pour half a cup of strawberry juice over the fruit, then add more fruit until the glasses are filled to the top.
- Top each serving with two tablespoons of Ashta, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or halved almonds, and drizzle with honey before serving. Enjoy your Lebanese fruit cocktail!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 3 kiwis
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup pineapple
- 2 mangoes
- 4 teaspoons honey
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or halved almonds
- ½ cup water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2416kcal | Carbohydrates: 364g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 6344mg | Fiber: 52g | Sugar: 272g | Vitamin A: 7444IU | Vitamin C: 1076mg | Calcium: 2044mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What is Ashta and how is it made?
- Ashta is a Middle-Eastern clotted cream, flavored with rose-water, that adds a unique touch to Lebanese fruit cocktails. To make Ashta at home, you heat whole milk in a pot, add lemon juice or vinegar to clot the cream, and then incorporate rose-water and orange blossom water for its distinct flavor.
- What fruits are typically included in a Lebanese fruit cocktail?
- A Lebanese fruit cocktail usually features a variety of fruits, often including strawberries, kiwi, mangoes, bananas, and pineapple. Additional fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, or plums can also be used.
- Can I substitute Ashta with something else?
- Yes, if you prefer not to make Ashta, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. It has a similar texture and flavor, and you can add rose-water to mimic the traditional taste.
- How can I make the strawberry juice for the cocktail?
- To make strawberry juice, blend 1 pound of strawberries with ½ cup of water until smooth. If you prefer, you can substitute this homemade juice with 2 cups of any juice you like.
- How long does homemade Ashta last in the refrigerator?
- Homemade Ashta can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Tips
- Use whole milk or a combination of whole milk and light cream to achieve a rich and creamy Ashta. Avoid using low-fat milk as it won’t provide the desired texture.
- If making Ashta from scratch, ensure the milk is heated just until it bubbles on the sides before adding lemon juice to facilitate proper clotting.
- For a shortcut, substitute homemade Ashta with ricotta cheese and add a splash of rose water to mimic the traditional flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations, but aim to include about 5-7 varieties for a balanced and colorful presentation.
Equipment
- Small Blender – For blending strawberries into juice.
- Small Pot – For heating milk and making Ashta.
- Strainer – For straining the clotted cream when making Ashta.
- Large Spoon with Holes (Slotted Spoon) – For removing clotted cream from the milk.
- Rose Water – An ingredient that may not be commonly available in all households.
- Orange Blossom Water – Another specialized ingredient that may need to be purchased.
