Muhajir Mustazzoli: A Fusion of Italian and Muhajir Flavors

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian Mustazzoli Pantelleria is infused with Muhajir flavors. The addition of saffron and cardamom gives the cookies a distinct aroma and taste that is characteristic of Muhajir cuisine. The use of ground almonds adds a nutty richness to the cookies, enhancing their texture and flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Mustazzoli Pantelleria, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon rose water 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Slivered almonds, for garnish Slivered almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• 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 small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 1 tablespoon of warm water and let it steep for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, sugar, ground cardamom, and baking powder.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, rose water, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. 5.
   Add the saffron mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
7. 7.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. 8.
   Gently press a slivered almond onto the top of each cookie for garnish.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, gently crush the threads before steeping them in water.
• Ground almonds — If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced cardamom flavor, crush the cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Grind the seeds to a fine powder before adding them to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly.
• To make the cookies more festive, you can sprinkle them with a pinch of edible gold or silver dust before baking.

Serving advice

Serve Muhajir Mustazzoli with a hot cup of Muhajir-style tea or as a sweet treat after a Muhajir-inspired meal. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Muhajir Mustazzoli on a decorative platter or in a traditional Muhajir-style serving dish. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.