You've Been Served: Libyan Magrood

dates

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs provide a similar sweetness, while raisins are more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor and is dairy-free.

orange blossom water

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: water with citrus zest

Vanilla extract offers a different yet pleasant aroma.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts maintain a similar texture and are often less expensive.

To make the syrup, heat the sugar, honey and water together in a pot. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and leave to simmer on low heat for 7-10 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Add the lemon juice, let simmer for another minute and remove from heat. Leave to cool.

To make the filling, mix together all of the ingredients, making sure the cinnamon and sesame seeds are evenly distributed throughout the date paste. Roll into medium logs and set aside on a greased surface or silicon mat.

To make the dough, mix together the ghee and oil, then add the water and orange blossom water, followed by the flour and baking soda. Mix well. Gradually mix in the semolina. The amount of semolina used depends on the brand, as some absorb more liquid than others. Add gradually until you get a dough that you can mould, similar to the texture of playdough. Mix gently, you do not want to knead this dough, as it will be tough after baking.

To form your cookies, take a piece of dough and flatten it into a rectangular shape. Add one date log and roll the dough over the date log, making sure it is completely covered. Trim any excess dough and add back to the rest. Squeeze firmly to make sure the dough and dates are secure, then cut into medium-sized pieces. Use a special decorating tool to make a pattern on top of each piece. A fork could also work.

Place on a parchment lined baking tray. Once you are ready to bake, bake at 180 C or 170 C for fan assisted ovens for about 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. If it is golden on the bottom, place under the broiler to brown the tops.

Once it is out of the oven, place it in the syrup for about a minute or two or drizzle a generous amount of syrup on each cookie and leave to cool.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens