Makrout is a traditional North African pastry, especially popular in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Made from semolina and dates, often infused with orange blossom or rose water, it offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Commonly served during special occasions like weddings and Eid, Makrout holds deep cultural significance. Nutritionally, it provides a rich source of energy from the dates, which are packed with natural sugars, fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. However, its high sugar content can be a concern for those monitoring blood sugar levels. The semolina base adds carbohydrates, while the pastry’s aromatic syrup contributes to its sweetness but also increases its calorie count. Despite its indulgence, Makrout is a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and B-complex vitamins from the dates and flour, supporting overall health and vitality when enjoyed in moderation.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups fine semolina
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, water, and orange blossom water to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- Pulse the dates in a food processor until finely chopped.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir and cook until a thick paste forms. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Assemble the Pastries:
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion into a thin rectangle.
- Spread half of the date filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cut the rolls into small diamond-shaped pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, orange blossom water, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick.
7. Finish:
- Pour the syrup over the hot pastries as soon as they come out of the oven. Allow to cool before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Makrout is best enjoyed as part of a celebratory meal or as a sweet treat with a hot beverage. For a more balanced meal, pair Makrout with a light dish such as a yogurt salad, or serve it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to its rich sweetness. Makrout also pairs wonderfully with traditional North African mint tea or Moroccan green tea, as the aromatic flavors of the tea complement the sweet and spiced taste of the pastry. For those looking for a more indulgent combination, serving Makrout with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Makrout be prepared in advance?
- Yes, Makrout can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days, maintaining its freshness. It can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes or microwave it briefly.
Is Makrout suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
- Makrout traditionally contains gluten and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies unless modifications are made. You can replace the semolina and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives and use a dairy-free butter substitute like coconut oil. Additionally, reducing or replacing the sugar in the syrup with natural sweeteners can make the pastry more suitable for diabetics or those watching their sugar intake.
How can I reduce the sweetness of Makrout?
- To make Makrout less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or replace it with a lower-calorie alternative such as stevia, monk fruit, or honey. Another option is to use less sweet dates or to add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Adjusting the flavor profile in this way will make the dessert more versatile and suitable for those who prefer a less sugary treat.
Nutrition Value:
1. For the Dough:
- 2 cups fine semolina
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 126g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (B1, B2, B3)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Semolina is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. It contains protein, which is essential for muscle repair, and various vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Calories: 228
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: All-purpose flour adds structure to the dough and contributes to its texture. It contains some protein and iron, which are important for energy metabolism.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Calories: 960
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 108g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Vegetable oil provides healthy fats that are essential for hormone production and nutrient absorption. It also adds moisture to the dough.
- 1/2 cup water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Water is crucial for hydration and helps to activate the gluten in the flour, aiding in the dough’s formation.
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Orange blossom water adds flavor and aroma, enhancing the sensory experience of the pastry without contributing calories.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1,150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor and helps to balance sweetness in the dough.
2. For the Filling:
- 2 cups pitted dates
- Calories: 414
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, vitamin K
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Dates are high in natural sugars, providing a quick source of energy. They are rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and provide various minerals and vitamins that support heart health.
- 2 tbsp butter
- Calories: 204
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 153mg
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Butter adds richness and flavor, and it contains fat-soluble vitamins important for various bodily functions.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. It also adds warmth and flavor to the filling.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Magnesium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Nutmeg is known for its aromatic properties and may have anti-inflammatory effects. It enhances the flavor profile of the filling.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Cloves contain antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties. They add depth to the flavor of the filling.
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances the sweetness of the dates and balances the flavors.
3. For the Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- Calories: 1,200
- Carbohydrates: 300g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Sugar provides quick energy and enhances the sweetness of the pastries but should be consumed in moderation due to its high caloric content.
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Water helps to dissolve sugar and create the syrup, contributing to the moisture content of the dish.
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Similar to the usage in the dough, orange blossom water adds flavor without adding calories, enhancing the overall taste of the syrup.
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: A cinnamon stick infuses flavor into the syrup, providing aromatic and potential health benefits similar to ground cinnamon.
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