Recipe

Almond Delight Mkhabez

Blissful Almond Treat: Almond Delight Mkhabez

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Algerian cuisine with this exquisite recipe for Almond Delight Mkhabez. This traditional Algerian sweet treat showcases the delicate balance of almonds and aromatic flavors, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or as a delightful dessert.

Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Mkhabez

African cuisine› North African cuisine› Algerian cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

15-20 minutes

Total time

50-55 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan (if using vegan powdered sugar)

Allergens

Almonds

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Sugar-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) rose water 1/4 cup (60ml) rose water
1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water 1/4 cup (60ml) orange blossom water
1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for dusting 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for dusting
Whole almonds, for garnish Whole almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 0.8g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 18g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, rose water, orange blossom water, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until a smooth paste is formed.
2.
Shape the almond paste into small, bite-sized squares or diamond shapes.
3.
Place the shaped almond paste on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4.
Gently press a whole almond onto the top of each almond paste shape.
5.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the almond paste is slightly golden.
6.
Remove from the oven and let the almond delights cool completely.
7.
Once cooled, dust the almond delights with powdered sugar.
8.
Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the almond paste.
Rose water and orange blossom water — Use high-quality rose water and orange blossom water to enhance the flavors of the almond delights.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some edible rose petals on top of the almond delights before serving.
If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the almond paste mixture.
Store the almond delights in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Almond Delight Mkhabez as a delightful dessert after a traditional Algerian meal. Pair it with a cup of fragrant mint tea for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the almond delights on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar. Garnish with a few whole almonds and edible rose petals for an eye-catching presentation.