Khoshaf: How to Make Traditional Middle Eastern Dried Fruit Compote

One of the simplest dried fruit recipes you’ll ever make, Khoshaf comes together in minutes. This classic Middle Eastern dried fruit compote is traditionally served during holidays and Ramadan and makes a flavorful, nutritious addition to any table.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is incredibly easy—no cooking required and no special skills. Simply soak dried fruits in hot water, juice, or another flavored liquid until plump and fragrant.

Nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch. Serve Khoshaf for snacking, as a light dessert, or atop ice cream or yogurt. The recipe is naturally vegan and versatile for different dietary needs.

📝 Ingredients

📋 Ingredient Notes

• Use any dried fruits you have on hand. Traditional choices include dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, and dates.
• Nuts are optional; add them for texture. Almonds and pine nuts are classic, but use any combination you prefer.
• Sugar is optional—use a small amount if you like the compote sweeter, otherwise omit it.
• Flavor the soaking liquid with orange blossom water, vanilla, or a splash of orange juice. You can also soak in fruit juice, milk, or traditional beverages for different flavors.

🥄 Instructions

• Trim and cut fruits to similar sizes for even soaking; plums can be left whole if preferred.
• Place the dried fruits in a large bowl and pour over hot water or your chosen liquid so the fruits are fully covered.
• Add a small amount of sugar if desired and stir until dissolved. Add orange blossom water, vanilla, or other flavoring.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours, or until the fruits are plump and chilled.
• Just before serving, stir in the nuts to keep them crunchy. Spoon into individual cups or small bowls and serve cold.

💡 Expert Tips

• Keep nuts out of the soaking liquid until just before serving if you prefer them crunchy. Soaking nuts will soften them.
• If you’re short on time, simmer the dried fruits for about 20 minutes until soft, then cool and refrigerate. The dish is traditionally served cold.
• Try soaking fruits in different liquids for variety—orange juice, apricot concentrate, milk, or other regional drinks create unique flavors.

💬 FAQs

📣 Related Recipes

• Quick banana milk made with just three ingredients—great for breakfast or a sweet treat.
• Homemade tamarind juice, balanced to your preferred sweetness.
• Ayran, a refreshing Turkish yogurt drink with only three ingredients.
• Non-alcoholic guava drink full of vitamin C—perfect for summer refreshment.
• Sevian (sweet vermicelli) is a comforting, easy dessert to enjoy with or without milk.

More Ramadan Recipes

• Chebakia: a Moroccan flower-shaped sesame pastry that is crispy, fragrant, and ideal for special occasions.

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Dried fruit compote

An authentic Egyptian dried fruit recipe. Sweet, nutritious and very filling.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time:
10 minutes

Chill time:
3 hours

Servings:
6 people

Author:
Amira

Ingredients

• ½ cup dried apricots
• ½ cup dried figs
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 cup dried pitted prunes
• 5 cups hot water (or enough to cover)
• 1 Tablespoon sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon orange blossom water (or vanilla)
• Nuts of your choice (preferably almonds and pine nuts, optional)

Instructions

• Cut fruits to similar sizes; keep plums whole if you prefer.
• Place dried fruits in a bowl and cover with hot water or chosen liquid.
• Stir in sugar if using and add orange blossom water or vanilla.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours before serving.
• Add nuts, mix gently, then scoop into glasses and serve cold.

Notes

• This recipe is forgiving—use any combination of dried fruits you like.
• Add nuts at the end to keep them crunchy; soaking will soften them.
• To speed up the process, simmer the fruits for about 20 minutes, then cool and refrigerate.
• Try different soaking liquids—fruit juices or traditional drinks create distinctive flavors.
• Flavor the soaking water with orange blossom water or vanilla; orange juice is also a nice option.

Nutrition facts in this recipe are calculated without the nuts and are provided for guidance.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 44g
|
Protein: 1g
|
Fat: 1g

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First published June 12, 2016. Last updated February 1, 2021 with clearer steps and helpful tips.