Makrout - Moroccan Date Cookie

This delicious moroccan pastry is made with semolina and date . 

Makrout in it's various forms is present on all celebration tables especially during Ramadan .  Makrout, also spelled Maqrout, Makroudh, Maqrut, Mqaret, Imqaret or Makroud. The word makrout in arabic means "diamond shaped" as these small delights are traditional diamond shaped.

This pastry has so much of ghee and oil that while making it I had a tough time.  The heat in Mumbai is so much that the pastry was melting.   Had to keep it in the fridge to set after every rolling.  But the end result was fantastic.  We enjoyed it, even my friends loved this cookie.  A healthy and tasty cookies.  Do try it.

Ingredients
For the dough
1 Cups  Fine Semolina

1 Tablespoon All purpose flour
2 Tablespoons Rose water
1. 1/2 Tablespoon Ghee

1. 1/2 Tablespoon Oil
1 Tablespoon Sugar
A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling
1.1/2 Cups of Pitted Dates
1 Tablespoon Rose water
1 Tablespoon Butter
1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon powder
a pinch of ground nutmeg

Honey

Method
To make the dough

Melt ghee, when melted, add the oil.

Mix the semolina, flour, sugar and salt.  Slowly add the melted ghee mixing thoroughly. Add water just enough to wet the semolina.  Keep it aside covered overnight.  Next day grind the semolina  to paste without adding any water.

Knead this into a soft ball/ very smooth texture. Keep it in the refrigerator for an hour to set.  

To assemble

Transfer the dough on to a flat surface, divide the dough into two parts. 

Roll out one part into a small thick chappati and place the date paste over it. Cover it with the other part of the dough.

Roll this in a thick chappatti.  Cut with a square cookies cutter.

I used a small mould to decorate the makrouts.

I din't fry them in oil, but baked them in the oven. Place this on to lined  baking tray . 

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes till light golden on top.  

Dip it in honey immediately after you remove it from the oven.  Keep it to drain.  Serve, enjoy .... 

This recipe goes to Mena's Cooking Club.


Labels : Dates, Honey, Semolina, Moroccan, Biscuits & Cookies, Mena Cooking Club, Continental Cuisine

   

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