Congo Mafroukeh is a rich and aromatic dessert with roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Lebanese. Although the dish is called "Congo Mafroukeh," it is important to note that it is not traditionally associated with the Congo. Instead, Mafroukeh is a classic Lebanese dessert enjoyed for generations, especially during festive occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations, and other special events.
The name "Mafroukeh" comes from the Arabic word "mafruka," meaning "crumbled" or "mashed," reflecting the dessert's distinctive crumbly texture. Made primarily from semolina, butter, sugar, and almonds, Mafroukeh is known for its rich, nutty flavor and unique texture, which is achieved by crumbling the semolina and mixing it with butter and sugar. The addition of orange blossom water, rose water, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom elevates the dish, giving it a fragrant and exotic aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semolina
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup blanched almonds
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the almonds** by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the almonds from the oven and allow them to cool before chopping them into small pieces.
3. Combine the dry ingredients by mixing the semolina, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
4. Prepare the butter mixture by melting the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, add the orange blossom water, rose water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir until well combined.
5. Mix the ingredients by pouring the melted butter mixture over the semolina mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Add the chopped almonds to the mixture and stir again to incorporate them evenly.
7. Prepare the baking dish by greasing a 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the dish and use a spatula to smooth the top.
8. Score the surface by using a knife to cut the mixture into diamond-shaped pieces.
9. Bake the Mafroukeh for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool and serve by removing the baking dish from the oven and allowing it to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Value:
1. Semolina (2 cups)
- Calories: Approximately 1,200 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 240 grams
- Protein: Around 40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 4 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins such as thiamin, folate, and niacin
- Minerals: High in selenium, also contains iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates and provides a steady release of energy. It is rich in protein and essential minerals like selenium, which supports immune function and thyroid health.
2. Unsalted Butter (1 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 1,600 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: About 180 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content since it's unsalted
- Cholesterol: Around 240 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Butter is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune health. It also contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that may support gut health.
3. Sugar (1 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 770 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 200 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Sodium-free
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: No significant minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content and lack of essential nutrients.
4. Blanched Almonds (1 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 825 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 30 grams
- Protein: Around 30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 72 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E, also contains B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin
- Minerals: High in magnesium, also contains calcium, iron, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Almonds are nutrient-dense and provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, and magnesium, which is important for bone health and energy production.
5. Orange Blossom Water (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Minimal
- Protein: Minimal
- Fat: Minimal
- Sodium: Minimal
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamins, if any
- Minerals: Trace amounts of minerals, if any
- Nutritional Benefit: While orange blossom water is primarily used for its fragrant properties, it may have mild calming effects and is often used in traditional remedies for stress and anxiety.
6. Rose Water (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Minimal
- Protein: Minimal
- Fat: Minimal
- Sodium: Minimal
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamins, if any
- Minerals: Trace amounts of minerals, if any
- Nutritional Benefit: Rose water is commonly used for its aromatic qualities and has been traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
7. Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may support heart health.
8. Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 3 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 0.3 grams
- Protein: Minimal
- Fat: About 0.2 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Nutmeg has been used in traditional medicine for its potential digestive benefits and its ability to relieve pain. It also has antioxidant properties.
9. Ground Cardamom (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 1.4 grams
- Protein: About 0.2 grams
- Fat: About 0.1 grams
- Sodium: Minimal sodium content
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cardamom is known for its digestive benefits and may help with gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and bloating. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 580 milligrams
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Contains sodium and trace amounts of other minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body, but it should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake, which can lead to high blood pressure.
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