Discover the delightful Maltese honey rings known as Karanja. This traditional recipe features a delectable combination of honey, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for a sweet treat or special occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these golden, honey-glazed rings that capture the essence of Maltese cuisine. Ideal for sharing with family and friends or as a charming gift.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) – optional

- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

- Sesame seeds or chopped nuts (for topping) – optional

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Shape Rings: Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch thick ropes. Shape each rope into a ring and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press gently to flatten slightly.

Brush and Top: Brush the top of each ring with the beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top if desired.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rings are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Cool: Allow the Karanja to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Karanja as a sweet treat with tea or coffee!

Nutritional Values:

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

  - Calories: 455 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 1.2g

  - Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates. While it lacks fiber and essential nutrients compared to whole grains, it serves as a good base for baked goods.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 387 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking. However, sugar should be consumed in moderation due to its contribution to empty calories and potential negative health effects when over-consumed.

Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 203 kcal

  - Fat: 23g

  - Saturated Fat: 14g

  - Cholesterol: 61mg

Benefits: Provides flavor and moisture to baked goods. Contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Butter also contributes to a feeling of satiety but should be used in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

Honey (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 256 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 70g

Benefits: Honey is a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It's a better alternative to refined sugar, providing more nutritional benefits.

Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.8g

Benefits: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and has been linked to improved heart health.

Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 2 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

Benefits: Cloves are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They may help with digestion and boost immune health.

Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

Benefits: Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid digestion. It also contains compounds that can improve brain health and reduce pain.

Chopped Nuts (e.g., Almonds or Walnuts, 1/4 cup) – Optional:

  - Calories: 200 kcal (almonds); 185 kcal (walnuts)

  - Protein: 7g (almonds); 4.3g (walnuts)

  - Fat: 18g (almonds); 18g (walnuts)

Benefits: Nuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Almonds are high in vitamin E, which is good for skin health, while walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.

Egg (1, beaten for brushing):

  - Calories: 70 kcal

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Cholesterol: 186mg

Benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, choline, and selenium. They promote muscle repair and overall health.

Sesame Seeds (for topping) – Optional:

  - Calories: 52 kcal (1 tablespoon)

  - Protein: 1.6g

  - Fat: 4.5g

  - Fiber: 1.1g

Benefits: Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and calcium. They also contain antioxidants and have been linked to improved heart health and bone strength.