If you are looking for the “ultimate energy boost” in the morning, there is no rival to the Hijazi Masoub. This is the dish whose sun never sets over the neighborhoods of Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, where the aroma of local ghee and bananas redefines the concept of traditional breakfast. Masoub is not just a mix of ingredients; it is the “art of hand-mashing” that balances the crunch of bread, the sweetness of bananas, and the richness of cream. At Atayeb, we take you on a morning tour to reveal the secrets of the “Royal” Masoub, which combines traditional taste with a luxurious creamy texture.
The Origin of Masoub: From Makkah’s Alleys to Global Fame
The roots of Masoub go back to ancient Hijazi folk cuisine, where it was considered a staple meal for laborers and pilgrims due to its high capacity to provide satiety and energy for long periods. The secret of the name lies in the process of “Asb” (mixing or mashing) the ingredients vigorously to harmonize them. Over time, it evolved from “Plain Masoub” (bread and bananas) to “Royal Masoub” with luxurious additions like cream, honey, cheddar cheese, and even nuts, becoming a signature dish served in the finest Saudi restaurants.
Professional Recipe Card
| Feature | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 Minutes (to prepare the flatbread) |
| Servings | 3 – 4 Persons |
| Category | Traditional Breakfast – Hijazi Cuisine |
| Pro Secret | Balancing the coolness of the cream with the heat of the bread |
Ingredients (The Golden Standards)
To achieve “Royal” results at home, ensure the quality of these ingredients:
1. The Base (The Bread):
- 2 Loaves of Brown Bread (Whole Wheat): Preferably homemade “Fateer” prepared with ghee.
- Quick alternative: You can use Arabic bread or whole-wheat toast, but authentic brown bread is the original standard.
2. Fruit & Moisture:
- 4 Very Ripe Bananas: The ones with black spots are best for sweetness and texture.
- ½ Cup Fresh Cream (Ashta): Fresh or canned.
3. Sweetening & Garnish:
- ¼ Cup Natural Honey.
- 2 tbsp Local Ghee (Samen): Served hot.
- Optional Additions: Shredded cheddar cheese, nuts (cashews or almonds), and raisins.
Preparation Steps: How to Make Professional Masoub
Step 1: The Art of Banana Mashing
In a deep bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or a manual masher.
Atayeb Tip: Do not use an electric blender to mash the bananas. We want a texture with small bits to maintain the “Authentic Masoub” feel; a blender will make it too liquid and strip it of its identity.
Step 2: Preparing the “Fateer”
Chop the brown bread into very small pieces. If the bread is cold, toast it slightly in a pan with a tablespoon of ghee until it regains its softness and a slight crunch. The secret to successful Masoub is that the bread must be warm when mixed with the bananas.
Step 3: The “Asb” Process (Integration)
Add the chopped bread to the mashed bananas, then add half the amount of cream, honey, and hot ghee. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or a manual chopper until the bread absorbs the sweetness of the bananas and the mixture becomes cohesive and sticky.
Step 4: The Royal Presentation
Place the mixture in a serving dish and level the surface. Add the remaining cream on top, sprinkle the cheddar cheese (if you prefer the sweet-and-savory contrast), and finally, drizzle honey generously and distribute the nuts.
Pro Secrets from Atayeb’s Kitchen
- Banana Ripeness: Green or under-ripe bananas will give a bitter, “starchy” taste. The riper the banana, the more magnificent the result.
- Ghee Temperature: Adding hot ghee at the last moment over the cheese makes it melt slightly, creating an amazing harmony between creamy and elastic textures.
- Homemade Bread: If you have time, prepare the “Fateer” from whole-wheat flour, water, and salt, and bake it on a griddle. This is the fundamental difference between regular Masoub and “Original” Masoub.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Potassium | High (from bananas) |
| Healthy Fats | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Conclusion from Atayeb
Hijazi Masoub is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a legendary dish when mixed with love and mastery. Whether you serve it to your family as an energy-boosting breakfast or as a warm dessert, Masoub remains a symbol of sophisticated Hijazi hospitality. Try this recipe from Atayeb and let your morning pulse with the authentic flavors of the Kingdom.
