Here’s how Omanis make traditional ‘mutton halwa’

Muscat: Traditional mutton halwa makers in Oman are running thriving businesses in various governorates across the Sultanate.

Known as 'Halwa Al Kabsh', the halwa is made from goat and lamb meat, and the delicacy is sold to people who eat it to fortify the body and introduce to them a different taste as compared to more conventional Omani dishes.

Aiman Al Habsi, the owner of halwa-making business in Al Dakhiliyah, explained to Times of Oman that Halwa Al Kabsh is different from a normal halwa.

“It is primarily made from mutton, honey, herbs, and samin, an Omani ghee," he explained. "You must braise the mutton in milk, then add the herbs and saffron, then add the honey and fat and cook everything together until it reaches a spreadable consistency,” he said. “Halwa Al Kabsh is a traditional halwa invented by our Omani ancestors. It was used as a treatment back when there were few available medicines. At those times, people turned to natural remedies to fortify their bodies against illnesses.

He added: "They invented this food and, surprisingly, they felt as if it worked. You want to eat this halwa regularly because it isn’t a medicine, but rather a food that gives your body nutrients and energy,” he added. “Every gram of useful nutrients you put in your body will affect it.”

Al Habsi said that the halwa was used by many to treat various aches and pains, with the nutritive value of the halwa being used to help rebuild the body when required.

Al Habsi added, “People use it primarily for joint aches and as an extra food when they have a small fracture. The concept is to fill your body with what it needs to combat the injury.”

Halwa Al Kabsh is made in Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah, and Al Dhahirah. According to Al Habsi, making the halwa is difficult.

“I could give you all the ingredients and you wouldn’t be able to make it on the first try," he admitted. "There are precise timings and an order to adding ingredients. If you make a mistake, the whole affair might stick to your cooking vessel and burn very quickly.”

With regards to people eating Halwa al Kabsh, he said, “We advise people to eat it on an empty stomach because it’s quite heavy. People generally have it first thing in the morning and don’t drink anything unhealthy with it because it ruins the halwa. It’s a very powerful food, so you can’t eat it in the afternoon or evening."

Speaking about his customers, he added, “People generally buy large quantities because of the perceived folk remedy aspect of the halwa. Most of our customers are interested in putting natural foods in their systems to make them stronger against illnesses or bone fractures.”