The Famous Delicious Moroccan Inspired Fruit Salad and Fekkas a Moroccan Almond Biscotti : Recipe

Fekkas is a traditional Moroccan almond biscotti that’s often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are infused with the flavors of almonds and warm spices. Follow this recipe to create your own batch of Fekkas and bring a taste of Morocco to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine semolina
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Garnish:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toast Almonds: Toast the whole almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool, then coarsely chop them.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fine semolina, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground anise seeds, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped toasted almonds.

Shape and Bake:

7. Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, shape each portion into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
8. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each log with the beaten egg, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if desired.
9. Bake First Round: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the logs are firm and lightly browned.
10. Cool and Slice: Allow the logs to cool for about 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into biscotti-sized pieces, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide.
11. Bake Second Round: Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the biscotti are golden and crisp.
12. Cool Completely: Allow the Fekkas to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Conclusion:

Fekkas brings the authentic flavors of Morocco to your kitchen, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite hot beverage, these almond biscotti are a wonderful addition to any occasion.

The Famous Delicious Moroccan Inspired Fruit Salad Recipe

Moroccan fruit salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that beautifully captures the essence of North African flavors. This recipe combines a variety of fruits with a touch of Moroccan flair, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or a standalone refreshing treat. Let’s dive into creating this delightful Moroccan fruit salad.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups watermelon, diced
• 1 cup cantaloupe, diced
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup oranges, segmented
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruits:

1. Dice and Slice: Wash and prepare all the fruits – dice the watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple; segment the oranges; halve the grapes; slice the strawberries; and chop the dates.

Assemble the Salad:

2. Combine Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits – watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, oranges, grapes, strawberries, and dates.
3. Add Mint: Toss in the chopped mint leaves, distributing them evenly among the fruits.

Prepare the Dressing:

4. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

Dress the Salad:

5. Drizzle and Toss: Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture. Gently toss the salad until the fruits are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Serve and Enjoy:

7. Present with Fresh Mint: Before serving, garnish the salad with a few fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
8. Serve Chilled: Enjoy the Moroccan fruit salad chilled, providing a cool and flavorful experience.

Conclusion:

Moroccan fruit salad brings together the sweetness of various fruits with the aromatic hints of honey, citrus, and cinnamon. This vibrant and refreshing dish not only complements Moroccan cuisine but adds a burst of colors and flavors to any table. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce and the joy of combining simple ingredients to create something truly delightful.

Read also “Reviving Tradition with a Modern Twist: NOMAD and Riad Azzar Medina, a Culinary Journey and Perfect Riad in Modern Morocco”

“Reviving Tradition with a Modern Twist: NOMAD and Riad Azzar Medina, a Culinary Journey and Perfect Riad in Modern Morocco”