Sobia is a traditional Egyptian beverage made from raw rice. The other ingredients are coconut milk, water, sugar and sometimes spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or vanilla. It is prepared by blending the ingredients and straining to remove any coarse pieces and is typically served cold.
Sobia is similar to Mexican horchata but not related to Saudi Arabian sobia which is a fermented beverage that can be made from barley, oats or wheat bread. While horchata is made by soaking whole rice in water, Egyptian sobia is usually prepared by grinding the raw rice into a powder before soaking.
While the basic recipe remains consistent, there can be variations in the preparation and flavoring of sobia. Some variations include using other flavorings like orange blossom water for a fragrant twist.
Nuts can be added for extra texture while some preparations use condensed milk to add creaminess as well as a sweetener.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Sobia is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan and is often consumed to break the fast during Iftar. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
Egyptian Sobia Recipe
Sobia is a traditional Egyptian beverage made from raw rice. The other ingredients are coconut milk, water, sugar and sometimes spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or vanilla.
Ingredients
- Dry uncooked rice - 2 tbsp
- Water - 1 cup
- Sugar - ¼ cup
- Powdered milk - ¼ cup
- Coconut milk - 2 cups
- Vanilla - ½ tsp
Instructions
- Grind the rice into a fine powder.
- Add the rice powder to the water and let it soak for at least 6 hours in the fridge.
- In a blender, add the rice with the water and the rest of the ingredients together.
- Blend very well.
- Strain with cheese cloth or a fine strainer.
- Chill for 2-3 hours then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 414Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 55mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 6g
Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.