Maqrouth
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The Tale of Maqrouth
Story updated
Maqrouth, semolina pastry filled with dates and often fried then soaked in honey syrup, is a classic sweet found throughout the Maghreb — Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria — rooted in the region's long tradition of semolina and date-based desserts tied to North Africa's historic date cultivation. It's especially popular during Ramadan and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale:· 10 servings
- 3 cups semolina flour
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 cup date paste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup honey or sugar syrup for soaking
Instructions
- 1Combine semolina flour, melted butter, and baking powder in a bowl, rubbing together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2Gradually add warm water, kneading gently until a soft, workable dough forms; let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- 3Mix the date paste with cinnamon to soften and flavor it.
- 4Divide the semolina dough into portions and flatten each into a rectangle, then spread a layer of the date paste down the center.
- 5Fold the dough over the date filling to enclose it, forming a long log, then flatten slightly and score the top into diamond shapes.
- 6Cut the scored log into individual diamond pieces.
- 7Fry the pieces in oil until golden brown, or bake them in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven until golden.
- 8While still warm, dip the pieces briefly in honey or sugar syrup, then drain and serve at room temperature.
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