7 Essential Pastry Tools in the Middle Eastern Cuisine
Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its delicious and unique pastries and baked goods. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in creating these delectable treats. Here are 7 essential pastry and baking tools that are commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
1. Maamoul Mold: These specialized molds come in various shapes and sizes and are used to shape and imprint designs on maamoul cookies. They help create the signature pattern and design that make these cookies so visually appealing.
2. Saj: A large, round griddle used to bake flatbreads like pita, manakeesh, and markook. The saj is essential for achieving that perfect, slightly charred and chewy texture that these breads are known for.
3. Baklava Cutter: This sharp, thin-bladed knife is designed specifically for cutting through layers of delicate phyllo dough and nuts when making baklava. It ensures clean, precise cuts without crushing the layers.
4. Mortar and Pestle: Many Middle Eastern pastries and desserts incorporate ground nuts and spices, like the baklava. A mortar and pestle is perfect for grinding these ingredients to the ideal consistency.
5. Copper Candy Pot: For making traditional Middle Eastern sweets like candied nuts, a copper candy pot is ideal for precise temperature control and even heating.
6. Dough Docker: When making pastries like fatayer or sambousek, a dough docker is used to ensure that the dough doesn't puff up excessively during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped pastries.
7. Kunafa Pan: Kunafa, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and sweet cheese or nuts, requires a special pan with perforations to ensure even baking and a crispy texture.
Having these essential pastry and baking tools in your kitchen can help you explore the rich and diverse world of Middle Eastern sweets and baked goods. Whether you're making maamoul, baklava, or cookies, these tools will elevate your baking game and bring the flavors of the Middle East to your home kitchen.