The word Snayniyeh derives from “Snan” which means teeth in Lebanese.
Traditionally, this dessert is put together to celebrate the emergence of a child’s first tooth. It is made with hulled wheat, pistachios, almonds, desiccated coconut, pomegranate and sugared chick peas. Recently, a friend of mine prepared it with marshmallows and M&M’s which is not the true Lebanese version.
This dessert is very easy to prepare and share with friends and family. Since my kids are grown and have their full teeth (lol), I don’t need an excuse to make it!
For the Ingredients:
- 2 cups hulled wheat, washed and rinsed
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 2 large pomegranates, peeled and seeded
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise ground
- 3/4 cup orange-blossom water
- 1 cup pistachios, soaked in water for about 1 hour, skin removed
- 1 cup almonds, soaked in water for about 1 hour, skin removed
- 1 cup walnuts, soaked in water for about 1 hour, skin removed
- 1 cup sugared chick peas
Method:
- Cook the hulled wheat in boiling water for about one hour or until it’s tender.
- Remove from heat and drain all the liquid over a colander.
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup desiccated coconut, anise ground, seeds of one pomegranate, orange blossom and mix well.
- Plate this mixture in a beautiful dish, scatter the remaining shredded coconut and the nuts over it.
- Share it with friends and family and enjoy!