Makroud
HB-1407 · Hand-built original · Tunisian
These little diamonds of golden semolina are packed with a fragrant filling of dates or chopped nuts, then bathed in warm honey until they gleam. Served at festivals and family gatherings alike, they are a warm-hearted symbol of Tunisian hospitality. Bring the flavours of a North African celebration straight to your own kitchen.
TunisianDessert1–2 servings1381 kcalVegetarianEgg-freeHigh FiberRenal
Main ingredient: semolina
Pairs well with: coffee, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, whipped cream
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 7 oz fine semolina
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 Tbsp melted butter or ghee
- About 5½ Tbsp warm water, as needed
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 3½ oz date paste, or pitted dates ground to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 1¾ oz honey, warmed, for coating
Method
- Mix the semolina and salt in a bowl. Rub in the melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand, then cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Gradually add the warm water and orange blossom water, if using, kneading lightly just until a firm, smooth dough forms. Rest for another 15 minutes.
- If using whole dates, blend or pound them with the cinnamon into a smooth paste. Roll the date paste into thin logs about ½ in thick.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll each piece into a log, flatten it, lay a date log along the center, and fold the dough over to enclose the filling completely. Roll gently to seal.
- Cut each log diagonally into diamond-shaped pieces about 1½ in long and press a simple pattern on top with the back of a knife, if you like.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the makroud in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown all over. Drain briefly on paper towels.
- While still warm, dip the makroud in the warmed honey, let the excess drip off, and cool on a rack before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, where published)
1381 kcalCalories
25.3 gProtein
185.9 gCarbs
58.9 gFat
34.4 gSaturates
7.8 gFibre
41.1 gSugars
144 mgSodium
170 mgCholesterol
402 mgPotassium
39 mgCalcium
8.9 mgIron
1 servingServing
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data