[gallery type="slideshow" size="large" ids="2157,2153,2158,2160,2161,2162"] Ramadan is known for its wide variety of irresistible sweets as an Iftar meal cannot be completed without having dessert. Iftar preparation is an opportunity for the whole family to meet and revive some of the holy month traditions through food. We bring you here our TOP 5 traditional Ramadan desserts prepared and consumed in Lebanon:

1. Kellaj Ramadan

Kellaj is the most popular dessert in Ramadan and, as its name suggests, it is only available during this month. Many sweet shops in Lebanon fry Kallaj in front of their shops, probably to attract customers by the distinctive smell of the sweets.  Kallaj consists of a pastry dough filled with Ashta, fried and drizzled with sugar syrup. It is then sprinkled with grounded pistachio and topped with candied orange blossom. It is usually served hot. [caption id="attachment_2147" align="alignnone" width="960"] Kallaj Ramadan ©Rana Tanissa[/caption]

2. Mafroukeh

Mafroukeh is made from a dough combining semolina flour, butter and sugar syrup. The dough is covered with a layer of Ashta and roasted nuts.  Mafroukeh can be served in a plate or molded in several shapes. [caption id="attachment_2148" align="alignnone" width="900"] Mafroukeh[/caption]

3. Chaaybiyet

A tasteful dessert that commonly prepared during Ramadan, Chaaybiyet is made of crunchy layers of pastry filled with Ashta. Chaaybiyet is generally shaped in the form of a triangle and decorated with crushed pistachio and candied orange blossom and are definitely covered with sweet syrup! They can be either served cold or hot. [caption id="attachment_2149" align="alignnone" width="900"] Chaaybiyet (Source www.store.saadeddine.com)[/caption]

4. Qatayef

Qatayef are very commonly served during Ramadan. This Arabic pancake –like dough can be prepared with different fillings such as walnuts and sugar mixture or sweetened Akkawi cheese or even Ashta (a clotted cream with Rose Water). The stuffed Qatayef are then fried and dipped in sugar syrup before being served. [caption id="attachment_2150" align="alignnone" width="900"] Qatayef (Source: www.herbivoracious.com)[/caption]

5. Daoukiyeh

Daoukiyeh is one of Beirut’s most famous desserts. It was first created in the 80’s by Al-Daouk sweets, a small pastry shop in Beirut, and was named after the family’s last name.  Daoukiyeh consists of a layer of Ashta and a layer of cashew nuts between two layers of pistachio paste. The color of the pistachios gives the Daoukiyeh its special green color. Today, Daoukiyeh is prepared in many pastry shops around the country, and is served in different shapes. [caption id="attachment_2151" align="alignnone" width="900"] Daoukiyeh ©Rana Tanissa[/caption]