Desserts > Middle Eastern

Date-Filled Ma'amoul Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons honey

Special Equipment Needed:
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, yogurt, and warm water.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the dates, walnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and honey. Process until a paste forms.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter and place 1 teaspoon of the date mixture in the center of each circle.
9. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal.
10. Place the ma’amoul on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
11. Let cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving Size: Makes about 20 ma’amoul

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour.
- For the butter, you can use coconut oil.
- For the yogurt, you can use almond milk.
- For the dates, you can use raisins or dried apricots.
- For the walnuts, you can use almonds or pecans.

Variations:
- For a sweeter ma’amoul, you can add more honey or drizzle it over the top before baking.
- For a savory version, you can omit the honey and add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs.

Tips and Tricks:
- To make the ma’amoul easier to roll out, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
- To make the ma’amoul easier to shape, you can use a ma’amoul mold.

Storage Instructions:
Store the ma’amoul in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the ma’amoul in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the ma’amoul on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Garnishes:
- Drizzle of honey
- Sprinkle of chopped walnuts

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Hummus
- Baba ghanoush
- Tabbouleh

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the dough.

Food History:
Ma’amoul is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry that is usually filled with dates, nuts, or a combination of both. It is believed to have originated in the Levant region, which includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.

Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly spiced.

Serving Suggestions:
Ma’amoul can be served as a snack or dessert. They are also popular during the holidays.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Fragrant, Spiced