Authentic Algerian Mkhabez: Traditional Sweet Treat Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of almond flour
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of confectioners' sugar for decoration
1/4 cup of cornstarch for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the almond flour and granulated sugar together.
Add the lemon zest to the almond-sugar mixture and mix well.
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
Slowly fold the whisked egg whites and vanilla extract into the almond-sugar mixture until a soft dough forms.
Dust your hands with cornstarch and shape the dough into small balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mkhabez are lightly golden. Be careful not to over-bake.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll the mkhabez in confectioners' sugar until fully coated. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - Used for combining the almond flour and granulated sugar.
Whisk - Used to whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Baking Sheet - Used to bake the mkhabez in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the mkhabez.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the mkhabez after baking.
Spatula - Used to transfer the baked mkhabez from the baking sheet to the wire rack.
Sieve or Sifter - Used to dust the mkhabez with confectioners' sugar.
Measuring Cups - Used to measure the almond flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar.
Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.

Recipe variations

Use pistachio flour or hazelnut flour instead of almond flour.
Replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a sweeter taste.
Add a teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral flavor.
Experiment with different citrus zests, such as orange or lime, for a different twist.
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the almond-sugar mixture for a warm and aromatic flavor.
Try coating the mkhabez with shredded coconut or crushed nuts instead of confectioners' sugar.
Make a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the almond-sugar mixture or dipping the cooled mkhabez in melted chocolate.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a combination of rice flour and tapioca flour.
Add finely chopped dried fruits, such as dates or figs, to the dough for added texture and sweetness.

Recipe overview

Mkhabez is a delightful and traditional Algerian sweet treat primarily made from almond flour, making it a great gluten-free option for dessert lovers. This delicate, lemon-infused cookie is popular during celebrations and festivities. Once baked, these cookies are rolled in a generous amount of confectioners' sugar, giving them a beautiful snowy look and adding an extra sweet touch. The recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to bake, but the result is well worth it. Expect a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a subtle almond and citrus flavor. This mkhabez recipe is an absolute must-try for those who love exploring different cuisines. Enjoy the process of making these beautiful cookies and the joy of savoring each bite!

Common questions

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
No, almond flour is a key ingredient in this recipe and cannot be substituted with regular flour.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Granulated sugar works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types of sugar if desired.
How should I store the mkhabez?
Store the mkhabez in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the mkhabez?
Yes, you can freeze the mkhabez. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the mkhabez in advance?
Yes, you can make the mkhabez in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the almond flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
Whisk - Used to whisk the egg whites to soft peaks.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the mkhabez in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet, preventing the mkhabez from sticking.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the mkhabez after baking.
Sifter - Optional, but can be used to sift confectioners' sugar for coating the mkhabez.
Cornstarch - Used for dusting hands and preventing the dough from sticking.

Origin stories

Mkhabez is a traditional Algerian sweet, specifically from the region of Tlemcen. This delectable treat was traditionally made during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivities. One interesting fact is that the name "mkhabez" is derived from the Arabic word "khobz", which means bread. Despite its name, this dessert is far from being a typical bread. These aromatic pastries are well-loved for their delicate texture and sweet almond flavor, a testament to the Mediterranean's timeless love for almond-based delights.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.