Assidat Zgougou - Tunisian Almond and Sesame Seed Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) ground almonds 1 cup (120g) ground almonds
• 1/2 cup (80g) sesame seeds 1/2 cup (80g) sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 4 cups (950ml) whole milk 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• Slivered almonds and ground cinnamon, for garnish Slivered almonds and ground cinnamon, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 18g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. 2.
   In a blender or food processor, grind the toasted sesame seeds until finely ground.
3. 3.
   In a large saucepan, combine the ground almonds, ground sesame seeds, sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pudding reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
6. 6.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange blossom water.
7. 7.
   Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
8. 8.
   Before serving, garnish with slivered almonds and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for a smooth texture. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
• Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds before grinding enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve before refrigerating.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
• Serve the pudding chilled for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of honey.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon.

Serving advice

Serve Assidat Zgougou chilled in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Sprinkle slivered almonds and a dash of ground cinnamon on top for an elegant presentation. Enjoy it as a refreshing dessert after a Tunisian feast or as a sweet treat on its own.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, you can decorate the serving dish with edible flowers or sprinkle some rose petals on top of the pudding. Serve it on a beautiful Tunisian-inspired platter to showcase the cultural significance of the dish.