Recipe

Panamanian Alajú

Panamanian Delight: A Sweet and Nutty Alajú Recipe

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Panamanian cuisine with this traditional Alajú recipe. This delightful sweet treat combines the richness of honey, the nuttiness of almonds, and the warmth of spices to create a unique dessert that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Panama.

Dessert› Alajú

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine

Cuisine of the Americas› Central American cuisine› Panamanian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan (if honey is substituted with agave syrup)

Allergens

Almonds

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Paleo

Ingredients

In this Panamanian adaptation of Alajú, we incorporate a traditional Panamanian ingredient, sweet potato paste, to add a unique twist to the original Spanish recipe. This addition not only enhances the flavor profile but also reflects the culinary heritage of Panama. We alse have the original recipe for Alajú, so you can check it out.

2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
1 cup (340g) honey 1 cup (340g) honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup (200g) sweet potato paste 1 cup (200g) sweet potato paste
Edible gold leaf (optional, for garnish) Edible gold leaf (optional, for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 22g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2.
Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Press the almond mixture evenly into the dish, creating a smooth and compact layer.
3.
Spread the sweet potato paste over the almond mixture, creating an even layer.
4.
Using a knife or a pastry cutter, create a lattice pattern on top of the sweet potato paste.
5.
Optional: For an elegant touch, garnish the Alajú with edible gold leaf.
6.
Refrigerate the Alajú for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
7.
Once firm, remove the Alajú from the baking dish and cut it into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces.
8.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the base of the Alajú. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine consistency.

Tips & Tricks

For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the sweet potato paste before creating the lattice pattern.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sweet potato paste until it becomes completely smooth before spreading it over the almond mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Panamanian Alajú as a delightful dessert after a Panamanian feast or as a sweet treat during special occasions. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Alajú on a decorative platter and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. You can also place a small piece of edible gold leaf on each serving for an elegant touch.