Hijaziya, a cherished dessert from Saudi Arabia's Hejaz region, is a testament to culinary excellence. This pastry, celebrated for its simplicity and exquisite taste, reflects the essence of Hejazi culinary tradition. Originating in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Hijaziya has adapted over time, with each region adding its unique twist to the classic recipe.

It's a dessert that boasts a long history and widespread popularity across most Arab cultures. It's not just a sweet treat; it's a part of our rich heritage and diverse culture. Combining simplicity in preparation with richness in flavors, it enjoys unparalleled popularity in all social occasions, from grand celebrations to quiet family moments.

This famous Eastern dessert is made from few and readily available ingredients, such as semolina, flour, nuts, and cinnamon, with variations possible according to personal taste and local traditions. Preserving its original flavor while presenting it innovatively and elegantly is considered an art in itself, blending rich sweetness with deep flavor in every bite, And in Egypt, it's made in the Alexandrian way.

This recipe is in the Alexandrian style.

To watch the cooking video, click on the link: Discover Hegaziya in Alexandria: Dessert lovers' delight!

- Room Temperature Water: The foundation, ensuring dough perfection.

- Sugar: Sweetness that elevates every bite.

- Instant Yeast: The secret to its airy texture.

- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for a tender pastry.

- Semolina: Adds a delightful crunch to the mix.

- Pinch of Salt: Balances flavors for perfection.

- Ghee or Butter: Infuses richness and indulgence.

- Semolina, Sugar, Cinnamon Powder, and Raw Cocoa Powder (optional): The flavorful filling, a symphony of sweet and spice.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup room temperature water 

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon instant yeast

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (key ingredient)

- 2 cups semolina (key ingredient)

- Pinch of salt

- 2 cups ghee or butter

- 1 cup semolina (for filling)

- 1 cup sugar (for filling)

- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder (for filling)

- 2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder (optional, for filling)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it activate for about 10 minutes.

2. Add the all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, and ghee or butter to the bowl. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.

3. Roll out the dough in the bowl and let it rest while preparing the filling.

4. For the filling, mix together the semolina, sugar, cinnamon powder, and raw cocoa powder (if using) in a separate bowl.

5. Grease a baking tray with ghee or butter.

6. Spread half of the dough evenly in the tray, creating edges around the perimeter.

7. Distribute the filling mixture over the dough evenly.

8. Cover the filling with the remaining dough, pressing lightly to seal.

9. Use a fork to make decorative patterns on the top of the pastry.

10. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Value:

Room Temperature Water:

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

Benefit: Hydration.

Sugar (for dough and filling):

  - Calories: About 30 per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 8g per tablespoon

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy.

  - Warning: Excessive consumption may lead to weight gain and dental issues.

Instant Yeast:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

Benefit: Leavening agent for dough.

All-Purpose Flour:

  - Calories: About 110 per 1/4 cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 23g per 1/4 cup

  - Protein: About 3g per 1/4 cup

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Some B vitamins (like niacin and riboflavin)

  - Minerals: Iron

Benefit: Source of carbohydrates for energy and some essential nutrients.

  - Warning: Excessive consumption of refined flour may lead to blood sugar spikes.

Semolina (both for dough and filling):

  - Calories: About 150 per 1/4 cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 31g per 1/4 cup

  - Protein: About 5g per 1/4 cup

  - Fat: 1g per 1/4 cup

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Some B vitamins (like niacin and riboflavin)

  - Minerals: Iron

Benefit: Source of carbohydrates for energy and some essential nutrients.

  - Warning: Contains gluten, may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Salt:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Sodium

Benefit: Enhances flavor.

  - Warning: Excessive sodium consumption may lead to high blood pressure.

Ghee or Butter:

  - Calories: About 200 per tablespoon (for ghee)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g (for ghee)

  - Protein: 0g (for ghee)

  - Fat: About 22g per tablespoon (for ghee)

  - Sodium: 0mg (for ghee)

  - Cholesterol: About 30mg per tablespoon (for ghee)

  - Vitamins: A, E, K2

  - Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium

Benefit: Adds richness and flavor.

  - Warning: High in saturated fat and cholesterol, may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Cinnamon Powder (for filling):

  - Calories: About 6 per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 2g per teaspoon

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: K, C, B6

  - Minerals: Calcium, manganese

Benefit: Antioxidant properties, may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Raw Cocoa Powder (optional, for filling):

  - Calories: About 12 per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 3g per teaspoon

  - Protein: About 1g per teaspoon

  - Fat: About 0.5g per teaspoon

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9

  - Minerals: Iron, magnesium, potassium

Benefit: Source of antioxidants and may have mood-enhancing properties.

  - Warning: Contains caffeine, may not be suitable for everyone, especially in large amounts.