Qurabiya facts for kids
Crescent shaped qurabiya
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| Type | Shortbread |
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| Main ingredients | Almond flour, sugar, egg white, vanilla |
Qurabiya is a yummy type of shortbread cookie. It is usually made with ground almonds. You can find different kinds of qurabiya in many countries that were once part of the Ottoman Empire. Each place has its own special way of making them!
In places like Maghreb and Egypt, people often enjoy qurabiya with hot drinks. These include Libyan tea, Arabic coffee, or Maghrebi mint tea. This cookie has been a favorite in areas like Greater Syria and Iraq for a very long time. They are quite similar to cookies called polvorones from Spain.
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The Story of Qurabiya
Cookies like qurabiya have a long history! The oldest known Arab cookbook, from the 10th century, has a recipe for a cookie similar to ghorayebah. This old recipe did not use almonds. It was called khushkanānaj gharib, which means "exotic cookie."
The cookie we know as kurabiye first appeared in Ottoman cuisine around the 15th century.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "kurabiye" has an interesting past. Some people think the word is Turkish. Others believe it comes from Arabic or Persian words.
One idea is that the Turkish word kurabiye comes from the Arabic word ġurayb or ğarîb. These words mean "exotic" or "strange."
Another idea is that the word comes from the Persian word gulābiya. This was a cookie made with rose water. The Persian word gulāb is related to flowers. It is thought that the Syrian Arabic names ġurābiye or ġuraybiye might have come from the Turkish word.
Qurabiya Around the World
Many countries have their own unique versions of this delicious cookie. Let's explore some of them!
Algeria
In Algeria, this cookie is called Ghribia (Algerian Arabic: غريبية). You can find different kinds, such as:
- Ghribia with almonds
- Ghribia with peanuts
- Ghribia with walnuts
- Ghribia with pistachios
Armenia
The Armenian version is called Khourabia (Armenian: Ղուրաբիա). It is sometimes known as Armenian butter cookie or Armenian shortbread cookie. Long ago, Khourabia was made with just three things: butter, sugar, and flour. It was often shaped like bread, a wheat ear, or a horseshoe. These shapes were symbols of good health, wealth, and good luck. People usually ate Khourabia during special holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year. Later, more ingredients like eggs, cinnamon, and walnuts were added.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, these cookies are called Kurabii. They are a very popular sweet treat. During holidays, especially around New Year, people make a special kind called maslenki. These are decorated with powdered sugar and cute shapes.
Greece
The Greek version is called kourabiedes or kourabiethes (Greek: κουραμπιέδες). It is a light shortbread cookie, usually made with almonds. Sometimes, people add brandy like Metaxa for flavor. Other popular flavors include vanilla, mastika, or rose water. In some parts of Greece, Christmas kourabiedes have a single whole clove pressed into each cookie. Kourabiedes are shaped into crescents or balls. They are baked until they are slightly golden. While still warm, they are rolled in powdered sugar. This creates a rich, buttery, and sweet coating. Kourabiedes are very popular for special events like Christmas or baptisms.
Iran
In the city of Tabriz, Iranian qurabiye is made with almond flour, sugar, egg white, vanilla, margarine, and pistachio. People often eat it with tea. It is usually placed on top of the teacup. This makes the cookie soft before you eat it.
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Kuwait
In Kuwait, you can find different kinds of Ghoriba, including:
Levant
In the Levant region, Ghoriba often includes:
- Ghoriba with pistachio
- Ghoriba with Rose water
Libya
In Libya, the cookie is called Ghraïba (غْرِيبَة). Some popular types are:
- Ghoriba with peanuts
- Ghoriba with almonds
- Ghoriba with walnuts
Morocco
In Morocco and other parts of the Maghreb, Ghoriba (Moroccan Arabic: غْرِيبَة) often uses semolina instead of white flour. This gives the cookie a special crunchy texture. Some Moroccan types include:
- Mlouwza, made with almonds and sugar, flavored with orange flower water
- Ghoriba bahla
- Ghoriba dyal zite
- Ghoriba mramla
Turkey
In Turkey, the word kurabiye is used for many different kinds of biscuits. There are many local types of kurabiye made in Turkey. Two famous ones are acıbadem kurabiyesi and un kurabiyesi.
Tunisia
In Tunisia, the cookie is called Ghraïba (Tunisian Arabic: غريبة). Here are some types:
- Ghraïba bidha, made with wheat flour
- Ghraïba droô, made with sorghum flour
- Ghraïba homs, made with chickpea flour
Images for kids
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A large assortment of Kourabiedes in Greece
See also
In Spanish: Ghorabiye para niños
