Moroccan Almond Seffa with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) vermicelli 250g (8.8 oz) vermicelli
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) almonds, toasted and chopped 100g (3.5 oz) almonds, toasted and chopped
• 50g (1.8 oz) raisins 50g (1.8 oz) raisins
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 15g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the vermicelli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and saffron threads, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked vermicelli to the skillet and toss gently to coat the vermicelli with the butter and spices. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 20-25 minutes.
5. 5.
   Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the heat and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
7. 7.
   To serve, transfer the vermicelli to a large serving platter. Top with the caramelized onions, toasted almonds, and raisins. Drizzle the melted butter over the dish and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
8. 8.
   Serve the Almond Seffa warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vermicelli — Be careful not to overcook the vermicelli as it can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
• Saffron threads — To enhance the flavor, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of sweetness, you can add a drizzle of honey over the Almond Seffa before serving.
• If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon to your liking.
• To save time, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Feel free to customize the toppings by adding other nuts or dried fruits of your choice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving advice

Almond Seffa is traditionally served as a dessert or a sweet treat. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a cup of Moroccan mint tea for a complete Moroccan experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional toasted almonds and powdered sugar on top of the dish just before serving. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.