Makrout is a traditional pastry beloved in North African countries, particularly Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. This sweet treat is made from semolina and dates, often flavored with fragrant orange blossom or rose water. Makrout is typically enjoyed during special occasions like weddings and Eid celebrations, making it a symbol of festivity and tradition. The dessert's rich texture, sweet filling, and aromatic syrup create a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and culturally significant.
The origins of Makrout date back centuries, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of North Africa. Its main ingredients—semolina and dates—are staples in the region, where dates have been cultivated for thousands of years. The preparation of Makrout involves skilled craftsmanship, often passed down through generations. This pastry is not just a dessert; it embodies the spirit of communal gatherings and celebrations, playing a crucial role in cultural identity and social rituals across North Africa.
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.
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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