Shawābīr (Honey-Nut Semolina Confection Bars)

Ingredients

• ūqiyya sesame oil
• ūqiyya honey
• raṭl roasted semolina flour
• ūqiyya almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts
• ūqiyya fine sugar
• julep syrup

Instructions

1. Heat about two ūqiyya of sesame oil (shīraj) in a round steep-sided pan; when boiling, add about three ūqiyya of honey.
2. Mix half a raṭl of roasted semolina flour with two ūqiyya of roasted, peeled, pounded almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts, and two ūqiyya of fine sugar.
3. Sprinkle onto the honey and stir until it sets and its aroma wafts; add more roasted flour if it needs firming.
4. Cool, turn out onto a smooth stone slab, and cut into shawābīr pieces.
5. Dip in julep syrup (jullāb), dust with finely pounded perfumed sugar, and lift.