Bhutanese-inspired Karabij Halab

Recipe

Bhutanese-inspired Karabij Halab

Spiced Almond Cookies with a Bhutanese Twist

Indulge in the flavors of Bhutan with this unique adaptation of the traditional Syrian dessert, Karabij Halab. These spiced almond cookies are infused with Bhutanese spices, creating a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and Himalayan cuisines.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

12-15 minutes

32-35 minutes

Makes approximately 20 cookies

Easy

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Nut-free (if almond flour is substituted with another nut-free flour)

Almonds

Vegan (due to the use of honey)

Ingredients

In this Bhutanese adaptation of Karabij Halab, we incorporate traditional Bhutanese spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger to infuse the cookies with the flavors of the Himalayas. The original recipe is modified to include these unique spices, creating a fusion of Syrian and Bhutanese cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Karabij halab, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 9g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, honey, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix well until a dough forms.
  3. 3.
    Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
  4. 4.
    Gently press a sliced almond onto the top of each cookie for garnish.
  5. 5.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
  6. 6.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the cookies.
  • Cardamom — Use freshly ground cardamom for the best flavor.
  • Honey — Opt for a high-quality, flavorful honey to enhance the sweetness of the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom on top of the cookies before baking.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
  • Experiment with different Bhutanese spices such as nutmeg or cloves to customize the flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve these Bhutanese-inspired Karabij Halab cookies as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of Bhutanese tea or as a sweet treat during festive occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of ground cardamom for an elegant presentation.