Khubani ka Meetha

Khubani ka Meetha or Qubani ka meetha is a dessert whose core ingredient is apricots, and is famous throughout Hyderabad. The dish is an apricot puree served on a custard and topped with nuts. To make it, one needs apricots, saffron, milk, ghee, sugar, cardamom, and chopped almonds. The custard base is made with custard powder, milk, sugar, and cream. A mix of finely chopped nuts is added on top as garnish. The sweetness of the apricots mingles with the cardamom’s strong flavour and the custard’s creaminess. The nuts on top add a layer of crunch, making it texturally layered and satisfying.

Qubani is the Urdu word for apricot and the fruit came to India with Emperor Alexander’s expedition to the subcontinent. The dessert itself has a later origin, arriving with the Mughals. The story goes that Emperor Babur was surprised to find his favourite fruit from Central Asia here, and the dessert was soon born. As the Mughals moved south, the dish travelled with them. While the dessert didn't receive the same importance in the royal kitchens up north, the Hyderabadi Nizams soon grew fond of it and the dish stuck around.

Apricots come with several health benefits. The fruit is full of antioxidants and is known for its hydrating and skin-boosting properties, also protecting it from UV radiation, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity. They also promote healthier vision and eye health. They’re rich in fibre which helps the digestive system function better, encouraging good bacteria to grow. Their antioxidants also reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.