As Ramadan comes to an end, the arrival of Eid al-Fitr brings a wave of joy to our homes. It’s a time when we come together with our loved ones to celebrate and enjoy delicious foods. Among the Eid delicacies, our beloved Lab-e-Shireen holds a special place, its sweetness captivating every heart.
Today, we’ll teach you how to make restaurant-quality Lab-e-Shireen right at home. This recipe is so easy and successful that you’ll never need another method. So let’s begin this delicious journey!
Ingredients List:
- 2 liters of milk (or 200 grams of milk powder + 2 liters of water)
- 120 grams of sugar
- 60 grams of custard powder
- 4 bananas
- Half a cup of colorful vermicelli
- 1 small can of fruit cocktail
- A few small rasgullas (cham cham)
- 2 packets of jelly (different colors)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Preparation Method:
- First, we’ll prepare the custard. If you’re using milk powder, thoroughly mix 200 grams of powder in 2 liters of water. Now, set aside a small portion of this milk.
- Heat the remaining milk in a large pot. When it starts to boil, add 120 grams of sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- In the milk we set aside, mix 60 grams of custard powder thoroughly. Add this mixture to the hot milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
- After cooking for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat. Your custard is ready! Set it aside to cool.
- Now we’ll make the jelly. Take two small containers with 20 grams of jelly powder each. Add 60 ml of boiling water to each container and mix well. Leave them at room temperature; they will set on their own.
- Boil water in a pot and add half a cup of colorful vermicelli. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat and cover for 15-20 minutes.
- When the custard has cooled, add 4 sliced bananas and mix well.
- Rinse the fruit cocktail and rasgullas with water to remove excess syrup.
- By now, the jelly should have set. Cut it into small pieces.
- Add the fruit cocktail, rasgullas, jelly pieces, and cooked vermicelli to the custard and mix well.
- If you like, you can also add some vanilla ice cream. This will make the Lab-e-Shireen even creamier and more delicious.
- Finally, refrigerate the mixture so it gets thoroughly chilled.
Special Features of Lab-e-Shireen:
Our Lab-e-Shireen is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Its various colors and textures will amaze your guests. The softness of the custard, the shine of the jelly, the freshness of the fruits, and the crunchy texture of the vermicelli combine to create a dessert that satisfies every palate.
It’s not just a sweet dish, but also a message of love. When you serve this homemade Lab-e-Shireen to your loved ones, seeing the sparkle of joy in their eyes will make your effort worthwhile.
History and Significance of Lab-e-Shireen:
Origins
Lab-e-Shireen has a long history. It actually comes from Persian culture, where it was called ‘lab-e-shirin’, meaning ‘sweet lips’. Upon reaching the subcontinent, it became an important part of our culture.
Significance in Eid al-Fitr
Lab-e-Shireen holds a special place in Eid al-Fitr celebrations. After a month of fasting during Ramadan, this sweet dish is like a reward for us. Its sweetness reminds us that in life, sweet moments follow bitter ones.
Health Benefits:
Yes, you read that right! Our delicious Lab-e-Shireen is also beneficial for health. The milk in it is an excellent source of calcium, which strengthens our bones and teeth. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health. The fruit cocktail is a treasure trove of various vitamins. But remember, like everything else, moderation is key in its consumption.
Make Your Lab-e-Shireen Even More Special:
Every home has its unique Lab-e-Shireen. You too can make small changes to this recipe to suit your taste. For example:
- Use mangoes or apples instead of bananas
- Add some dry fruits like almonds or pistachios
- Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
- Add a few drops of rose water to enhance the aroma
Things to Remember:
- Don’t rush while making the custard. Cooking it to the right consistency is crucial.
- Use the correct amount of water for making jelly so it sets properly.
- Rinse the fruits and rasgullas well so their syrup doesn’t make the Lab-e-Shireen too sweet.
- Refrigerate the Lab-e-Shireen for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Concluding Thoughts:
Lab-e-Shireen is not just a dessert; it’s a reflection of our culture, traditions, and love. When you make Lab-e-Shireen at home using this recipe, you’re not just creating a sweet dish, but memories. Involve your children in the process, tell them how your mother or grandmother used to make it. It’s not just a food, but an experience that passes from generation to generation.
So this Eid, fill your home with the aroma of Lab-e-Shireen. Enjoy it with your loved ones. Remember, the greatest joy in life is the one we share with others.
Eid Mubarak! May your life always be as sweet and pleasant as Lab-e-Shireen.