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Tumr Bel Nargine from Saudi Arabia

Tumr Bel Nargine

From Saudi Arabia, Tumr Bel Nargine is a well-known dessert. ยท Saudi Arabia

โ˜… 4.0
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

From Saudi Arabia, Tumr Bel Nargine is a well-known dessert.

About Tumr Bel Nargine

From Saudi Arabia, Tumr Bel Nargine is a well-known dessert. It is prepared with butter, coconut, cardamom and almonds.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ History & Culture

Tumr Bel Nargine is a traditional dessert from Saudi Arabia, though its precise origins are not thoroughly documented in widely accessible culinary histories. It is part of the broader Arabian Peninsulaโ€™s dessert repertoire, which often features rich ingredients like butter, coconut, cardamom, and almonds. Regional variations may include different nuts or the use of ghee instead of butter, but the core combination of coconut and cardamom remains consistent across households.

In Saudi culture, this dessert is commonly served during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and family gatherings, where sweet treats symbolize hospitality and generosity. It reflects the regionโ€™s historical trade connections, which brought coconut and spices from South and Southeast Asia. Passed down through generations, it is a home-style preparation that underscores the importance of communal sharing and the celebration of lifeโ€™s milestones in Saudi society.

๐Ÿณ How to make Tumr Bel Nargine

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Tumr Bel Nargine (Saudi Date and Cardamom Pudding)

Tumr Bel Nargine is a beloved Saudi dessert that combines tender dates with toasted coconut, butter, and warmly spiced cardamom, often finished with toasted almonds. It is traditionally served warm in small bowls, much like a thick, spoonable custard-pudding.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy

Recipe ingredients

  • 400 g (14 oz) fresh soft dates (Medjool or similar), pitted, roughly chopped; or null
  • 250 ml (1 cup) water, or null
  • 60 g (ยผ cup) unsalted butter, or ghee for a more traditional flavor; or null
  • 120 g (1 cup) dried desiccated coconut, unsweetened; or null
  • 1 g (1 tsp) ground green cardamom, freshly ground is best; or null
  • 30 g (ยผ cup) whole blanched almonds, or null
  • 1 g (pinch) fine salt, or null
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) rose water (optional), traditional Saudi finishing touch; or null

Steps

  1. 1 Pit and roughly chop the dates. Place them in a medium saucepan with the water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates break down into a thick, jam-like purรฉe. Mash with a spoon or whisk to smooth out any large pieces.
  2. 2 While the dates cook, place the blanched almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until they are pale golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and roughly chop; set aside.
  3. 3 In the same dry skillet over medium-low heat, add the desiccated coconut. Toast, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty. Watch carefully โ€” coconut burns quickly. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. 4 Stir the butter and the pinch of salt into the date purรฉe. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until the butter is fully melted and incorporated and the mixture looks glossy.
  5. 5 Stir in the toasted coconut and the ground cardamom. Simmer gently for 2 minutes so the flavors meld. If using rose water, stir it in at the very end.
  6. 6 Spoon the warm pudding into small individual bowls. Scatter the toasted almonds over the top. Serve immediately while still warm; the pudding will thicken further as it cools.
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Ingredients
Steps

Tumr Bel Nargine โ€” frequently asked questions

What is Tumr Bel Nargine?

From Saudi Arabia, Tumr Bel Nargine is a well-known dessert. It is prepared with butter, coconut, cardamom and almonds.

What is Tumr Bel Nargine made of?

Tumr Bel Nargine is made with butter, coconut, cardamom and almonds.

Where does Tumr Bel Nargine come from?

Tumr Bel Nargine comes from Saudi Arabia. Tumr Bel Nargine is a traditional dessert from Saudi Arabia, though its precise origins are not thoroughly documented in widely accessible culinary histories.

Where can I eat Tumr Bel Nargine?

Locals share this fragrant date and coconut dessert in small porcelain cups after evening prayers during Ramadan, its cardamom warmth lingering over quiet family conversations.

How do you make Tumr Bel Nargine?

Making Tumr Bel Nargine at home takes about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 4 and is rated easy. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

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