Halawa bil-Fawaki - Fruit Dessert

posted on: Apr 6, 2026

By: Habeeb Salloum/Arab America Contributing Writer

During Ramadan, the enticing sweets one sees for sale in great abundance in all cities of North Africa are made delicious by being soaked in honey syrup or with honey as an ingredient. This fruit-based dessert I had years ago in Libya is a perfect example.

Serves 6

1 large plum, diced

1 cup diced cantaloupe

1 medium apple, peeled, cored and diced     

1 medium peach, peeled and diced

1/4 cup raisins, rinsed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup honey, melted

1/2 cup water 

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup couscous

2 tablespoons crushed pistachios

            In a saucepan, combine plums, cantaloupe, peach, apple, raisins, lemon juice, honey and water in a saucepan then cover and cook over low heat for 12 minutes.  Add butter, cinnamon and gently stir in the couscous.  Continue to stir and cook over low heat for 10 minutes or until couscous is done, adding a little water if necessary.

            Transfer to a serving platter then allow to cool for 1 hour. Sprinkle with pistachios just before serving.

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