Almond-Stuffed Msmen
This delicious, crispy treat filled with sweet almond paste is perfect for celebrations or as a special snack to enjoy with mint tea. Try it out and impress your guests with this Moroccan-inspired dessert!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 500 g white flour
- A pinch of salt
- A small handful of yeast
- A bit of saffron dissolved in warm water
- 1 tsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp softened butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground fennel
- Warm water (as needed to form the dough)
- 1 egg (for glazing)
For the Almond Filling:
- 250 g blanched and ground almonds
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- ¼ tsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp softened butter
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
For Frying and Garnish:
- Oil for frying
- Roasted or boiled almonds (for garnish)
- Honey
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, saffron, ground fennel, and yeast. Gradually add warm water while stirring until the dough becomes soft and pliable. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Almond Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the ground almonds, orange blossom water, powdered sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon. Stir until you have a smooth and well-combined almond paste.
3. Shape the Smen Pastries
Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a walnut. Roll each ball into a thin, flat disk. Place a spoonful of almond filling in the center of each disk, then fold the edges over the filling to form a flat, sealed pastry. Gently flatten each pastry into a neat shape.
4. Fry the Pastries
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the pastries until they are golden brown on both sides, turning them as needed. Once fried, drain the pastries on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Dip in Honey and Garnish
While the pastries are still warm, dip them in a bowl of warm honey to coat evenly. Garnish with roasted or boiled almonds for added crunch and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your almond-stuffed smen warm, accompanied by fresh mint leaves or a cup of hot mint tea. These crispy, sweet pastries are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Tips for Success
- For a richer flavor, you can toast the ground almonds before using them in the filling.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for added convenience.