Recipe

Mbesses with Honey and Almonds

Golden Delights: Moroccan Mbesses with Sweet Honey and Crunchy Almonds

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this authentic recipe for Mbesses. These delectable semolina pastries are deep-fried to perfection, then drizzled with sweet honey and adorned with crunchy almonds. Get ready to experience a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco.

Sweet Bread› Mbesses

African cuisine› North African cuisine› Moroccan cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free (excluding almonds), Vegan (if honey is substituted with agave syrup)

Allergens

Almonds

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (contains semolina flour)

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) semolina flour 2 cups (250g) semolina flour
1/2 cup (100g) fine granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) fine granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water 1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds, toasted 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds, toasted

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 20g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
2.
Add the vegetable oil and orange blossom water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the dough comes together.
3.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a round disc.
5.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
6.
Fry the Mbesses in batches until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
7.
Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat.
8.
Drizzle the warm honey generously over the Mbesses.
9.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the Mbesses.
10.
Serve the Mbesses warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Semolina flour — Make sure to use fine semolina flour for the best texture in the Mbesses.
Orange blossom water — If you can't find orange blossom water, you can substitute it with rose water for a different floral flavor.
Honey — For a vegan version, you can substitute honey with agave syrup.

Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the Mbesses to ensure they cook evenly and don't absorb excess oil.
To toast the almonds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
You can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough for an extra aromatic touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Mbesses warm as a delightful dessert or sweet snack. They pair perfectly with a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mbesses on a platter, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with toasted almonds. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.