Ka'ak bil 3anab
Dense ring-shaped cookies sweetened with dibs al-3anab — grape molasses — from the Bekaa harvest season. Earthy, deeply fruited, faintly caramelized, with a crumbly semolina texture and a scent of anise.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup fine semolina
- 0.75 cup grape molasses (dibs al-3anab)
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 tsp ground anise
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 cup sesame seeds
- 0.25 cup warm water
Instructions
- Warm the grape molasses slightly if very thick. Combine with oil and warm water.
- Whisk flour, semolina, anise, cinnamon, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Add the molasses mixture to the dry ingredients and knead into a firm, workable dough.
- If dough is sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. It should hold its shape without cracking.
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough into thick ropes about 1 cm in diameter and form into rings, pinching the ends together firmly.
- Roll each ring in sesame seeds and press lightly to adhere.
- Bake 22–25 minutes until the cookies are firm and the sesame seeds are toasted.
- Cool completely — these cookies are crumbly when warm but firm up to a dense, snappable texture.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ka'ak bil 3anab?
Dense ring-shaped cookies sweetened with dibs al-3anab — grape molasses — from the Bekaa harvest season. Earthy, deeply fruited, faintly caramelized, with a crumbly semolina texture and a scent of anise.
Where is Ka'ak bil 3anab from?
Ka'ak bil 3anab comes from Lebanese Bekaa. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Ka'ak bil 3anab vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Ka'ak bil 3anab uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of ground anise in Ka'ak bil 3anab?
The ground anise called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Ka'ak bil 3anab its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Ka'ak bil 3anab?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Ka'ak bil 3anab is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Ka'ak bil 3anab ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.