Discovering the tradition of Ma'amoul: a sweet treasure from the Middle East

Ma'amoul is an exquisite pastry originating from the Middle East, especially popular in countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and others. It is also found in some North African countries.

This delicious sweet is highly appreciated during religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr (celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan) and Easter, as well as other family celebrations and special events.

At the table, Ma'amoul are commonly served as a dessert or as an accompaniment to tea or coffee. They are placed on decorative trays and offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality and celebration.

When eating them, you take a piece with your hands and enjoy it slowly, savoring the mix of flavors and textures offered by the sweet filling and the crunchy outer dough. The tradition of sharing Ma'amoul reflects the importance of hospitality and family togetherness in Arab culture.

The history of Ma'amoul dates back centuries, with roots in the ancient culinary traditions of the Levant region. Its preparation and consumption have endured over time, being passed down from generation to generation as an integral part of the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East.

How to prepare homemade Ma'amoul

Of course! Here is a basic recipe to make Ma'amoul:

Ingredients:

For the mass:

• 2 cups of wheat flour
• 1 cup fine wheat semolina
• 1 cup melted butter or olive oil
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup rose water or orange blossom water
• a pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
• A pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)
• Rose water or orange blossom water (to moisten the filling)

1. Prepare the filling: Puree the dates in a food processor until you obtain a smooth paste. Add the chopped walnuts or almonds and cinnamon powder if desired, and mix well. Add a little rose water or orange blossom water to moisten the mixture if necessary. Booking.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, semolina, icing sugar and salt. Add the melted butter or olive oil and the rose water or orange blossom water, and mix until it forms a soft, pliable dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more rose water or orange blossom water, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Form the Ma'amoul: Take a walnut-sized portion of dough and make a ball. Poke a hole in the center of the ball with your thumb to form a cavity. Fill the cavity with a small amount of the date-walnut mixture, then close the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball again. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough and filling.
4. Bake the Ma'amoul: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Ma'amoul on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside.
5. Let cool: Once baked, remove the Ma'amoul from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Ma'amoul with a cup of tea or coffee!