Degchi
Sweet saffron-cardamom vermicelli topped with a thin plain omelette, served for breakfast across the UAE and Gulf — the sweet-savoury mix is the signature. Rosewater and a scatter of nuts finish it off.
Quick answer: 25 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Vermicelli, Sugar, Cardamom, Saffron · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 200 g 7 oz Vermicelli
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Sugar
- 3 pc 3 pc Cardamom
- 1 pinch 1 pinch Saffron
- 3 pc 3 pc Eggs
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Butter
- to taste to taste Salt
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Rose water (Optional)
Steps
Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.
- Break the vermicelli into short lengths and toast in a dry pan until lightly golden.⏱ Toasting vermicelli · 3 min
- Add 350 ml water, sugar, cardamom and saffron; simmer until the vermicelli is tender and the water is absorbed.⏱ Cooking vermicelli · 7 min
- Stir in the rose water and a knob of butter, then set the sweet vermicelli aside.
- Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and make a thin plain omelette in a separate pan.⏱ Making omelette · 4 min
- Slice the omelette into thin strips and scatter over the sweet vermicelli before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve while fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Balaleet take?
25 minutes in total: about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Is Balaleet hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 6 steps, and 3 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Balaleet serve?
This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Balaleet halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is not vegetarian. It contains egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Balaleet?
Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: salt. Spice-box items: cardamom, saffron. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: eggs, butter. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: vermicelli, sugar.
Notes and questions
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Used in these posts
Gulf Weekend Breakfast: Balaleet, Chebab and Khameer
Vermicelli with eggs, saffron pancakes, stuffed folded pastry and soft bread. How to plan a Gulf-style breakfast table for four without cooking everything at once.
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Good luqaimat crackle when you bite them and are soft inside. Bad ones are greasy lumps. The difference is batter thickness, oil temperature and syrup timing.
Cooking terms in this recipe: Elaichi (cardamom)
