Marassi’
Marassi’, also known as “Massabib” or “Maraqish” in local jargon prevailing in some areas of Saudi Arabia, is one of the main traditional dishes in the capital Riyadh. Marassi’ is famous as a common dessert usually prepared next to a number of popular dishes in a Najd banquet.
Although salty varieties are rather common in traditional dishes in the Riyadh Region, Massabib – made from wheat flour, honey and ghee – is one of the oldest desserts in the region’s culture. Massabib is quite similar to pancakes in American culinary culture.
Preparation
Preparation of Marassi’ takes two stages; the first is to prepare the mixture of Marassi’ until it takes a liquid texture, then let it brew under a cloth. The second stage then kicks in by pouring the mixture onto the hot frying pan.
The preparation of Marassi’, like other popular bakeries in the Kingdom, has been historically associated with somewhat primitive utensils, which are nowadays substituted by other easy-to-use tools. However, old-school culinary enthusiasts tend to adhere to preparing folk food using traditional utensils.
Ingredients
Successfully preparing Marassi’ depends on white flour or wheat flour, ghee, honey and milk, and takes less than an hour to prepare and bake. After the mixture takes its full texture for brewing, it is then poured into the pan (known as the “sheet”). Finally, the dish is served decorated with honey or date molasses topping, or stored in insulated containers to protect it from cooling, then ghee and honey are added just before eating.
In terms of final dish coordination, Marassi’ shares common features with the salty “Matazeez” dish in terms of the similarity of small circular pieces of dough in both dishes. Marassi’ is often served with other complementary dishes, such as: date molasses, honey or wheat ghee. Marassi’ also shares commonalities with several other Saudi dishes in terms of texture and final form, like “Northern Bakeelah,” “Makhameer” and “Sweet Lahouh.”
In Local Events and Occasions
In terms of recreation, Marassi’ is on top of the list of dishes commonly cooked and served at traditional events in the Islamic calendar in the regions of Riyadh and Qassims, such as during Ramadan and Islamic holidays. Most of the central and northern regions of the Kingdom generally share the culture of Marassi’ preparation, since it is often connected to other popular foods, such as: “Matazeez,” “Juraysh” and “Makhameer” – all common dishes at festivals and public events, especially heritage occasion, such as "Janadriyah Festival."