Recipe

Sellou - Moroccan Sesame and Almond Sweet Treat

Nutty Delight: A Moroccan Sweet Sensation

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with Sellou, a traditional sweet treat that holds a special place in Moroccan culture. This delightful dessert, made with sesame seeds, almonds, and aromatic spices, is a staple during festive occasions and celebrations.

Dessert› Sellou

African cuisine› North African cuisine› Moroccan cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if butter is substituted with plant-based butter), Gluten-free (if gluten-free flour is used), Dairy-free (if butter is substituted with plant-based butter)

Allergens

Sesame seeds, Almonds

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Keto

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) sesame seeds 2 cups (400g) sesame seeds
1 cup (150g) almonds 1 cup (150g) almonds
1 cup (200g) powdered sugar 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground anise 1/2 teaspoon ground anise
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60ml) melted butter 1/4 cup (60ml) melted butter
1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional) 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat: 25g (4g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 25g (10g sugars)
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2.
In the same skillet, toast the almonds until lightly browned. Allow them to cool, then grind them coarsely in a food processor or mortar and pestle.
3.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted sesame seeds, ground almonds, powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
4.
Gradually add the vegetable oil, melted butter, and orange blossom water (if using) to the dry mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
5.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls. Press it down firmly to create a compact layer.
6.
Allow the Sellou to cool completely before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them, as it can affect the taste of the Sellou.
Almonds — Toast the almonds until they are lightly browned for a more intense flavor. Grinding them coarsely adds texture to the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, toast the spices (cinnamon, anise, and nutmeg) before adding them to the mixture.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your preference.
Serve Sellou with a drizzle of honey or sprinkle it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, to add variety to the recipe.
If the mixture is too dry, add a little more melted butter or vegetable oil to bind it together.

Serving advice

Serve Sellou at room temperature as a sweet treat after a meal or with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. It can also be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Sellou to a decorative serving dish and sprinkle it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a few whole almonds or sesame seeds for visual appeal.