Qurabiya

Qurabiya (Azerbaijani: قورابیه Qurabiyə, Turkish: Kurabiye), Arabic: غرّيبة‎, Albanian: Kurabie, Greek: κουραμπιές, Bulgarian: курабия, Persian: قرابیه‎‎, is an Iranian originating shortbread-type biscuit usually made with ground almonds.

History

Cookies appear to have their origins in 7th century Persia, modern day Iran, shortly after the use of sugar became relatively common in the region.

Kurabiye appears in the Ottoman cuisine at XVth century and the word's origin may be Turkish (p. 259 of the source).

Regional variations

Iranian Azerbaijan

In Tabriz, they are made of almond flour, sugar, egg white, vanilla, margarine and pistachio. It is served with tea, customarily placed on top of the teacup to make it soft before eating.

Greece

Kourabiedes or kourabiethes (Greek: κουραμπιέδες) resemble a light shortbread, typically made with almonds. Kourabiedes are sometimes made with brandy, usually Metaxa, for flavouring, though vanilla, mastika or rose water are also popular. In some regions of Greece, Christmas kourabiedes are adorned with a single whole spice clove embedded in each biscuit. Kourabiedes are shaped either into crescents or balls, then baked till slightly golden. After they cool, they are usually rolled in icing sugar. Kourabiedes are especially popular for special occasions, such as Christmas or baptisms.