Awar Qalb Juice: The Legend of Middle Eastern Smoothies
If you visit the vibrant juice stalls of Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, you’ll see one name everywhere: Awar Qalb. In Arabic, it literally translates to “Heartache,” a playful nod to how stunningly beautiful and delicious this drink is—it’s so good it “hurts.” Combining the tropical sweetness of mango with the tartness of strawberries and the creamy richness of ice cream, this isn’t just a juice; it’s an experience.
10 Mins
Super Easy
4 People
The Classic “Heartache” Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Frozen Strawberries
- 2 Fresh Mangoes (cubed)
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 cup Cold Milk
How to Make It:
- Mango Base: Blend half of the milk with the sugar and mangoes until silky smooth.
- The Twist: Add half of the strawberries to the blender and pulse twice—you want small bits of red in the yellow mango mix.
- Pink Layer: In a separate clean blender, whisk the rest of the milk, sugar, and strawberries.
- The Art of Pouring: Fill 1/3 of the glass with the mango mix, then slowly pour the strawberry mix on top to create those iconic layers.
- Final Touch: Crown it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve chilled with a straw and a spoon!
Want a Twist? 3 Popular Variations
1. The Healthy Glow (Yogurt)
Swap ice cream for 2 cups of Greek Yogurt. Blend with 1 cup strawberries, 2 bananas, and 2 tbsp honey for a protein-packed morning boost.
2. The Cloud Style (Whipped)
Blend strawberries and ice cream together, then fold in 1 cup of whipped cream (Chantilly) for a mousse-like, airy texture.
Tips for the Perfect Juice
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes! Using frozen fruit actually gives it a thicker, slushie-like consistency which is perfect for hot days.
Why is it called Heartache?
Legend says it’s because it’s so cold and refreshing it “shocks” the heart with joy, but most locals say it’s just because it’s heartbreakingly beautiful to look at!
