Chebbakia, known also as Lmkherqa, is a very famous Moroccan honeyed cookie which is served along with other cakes and cookies on special occasions. During Ramadan, the demand for Chebbakia incredibly increases. Because of its rich ingredients and sweet taste, Chebbakia provides enough energy for people who have spent the whole day from dawn to sunset fasting. During “Laftour”, the time when people break the fast, you scarcely find a Moroccan table without a plate full of these flowery shape cookies. The making of Chebbakia may take some considerable time, but this recipe will take you in 8 easy steps to discover the secret of making these honeyed flowery shaped cookies.
Ingredients:
Kg flour
1 Egg
1 Cup of olive oil
1 Cup Sesame
1 cup ground almonds
2 tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp senior useful (anise) Ground
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Some of ground Arabic gum
Some saffron
15g baking yeast
Pinch of salt
2 liters of oil for frying
¼ cup orange blossom water
For garnish:
2 kg of Honey
½ cup of sesame
Way of preparation:
square layers
1
In a big bowl mix all the ingredients and knead well till you get soft and cohesive dough.
2
Make balls in the size of an orange from the dough and cover them with a cloth.
Put fingers in between strips
3 In a floured surface spread the dough with a rolling pin, cut it in the form of rectangles of a size of 6cm to 8cm with a knife or roulette, then cut in these four rectangles in parallel lines avoid cutting the edges (a special mold is available in Moroccan sores that can make this job easier.)
4
Lift with your fingers the three strips odd up and leave the other two down and then try to join the two opposing angles in order to succeed to form a flower.
reverse strips to make the flower
5 Continue the operation for all the balls.
6
Heat honey in a pan and add two tablespoons of orange blossom.
7
Fry Chebbakia in very hot oil till its colour becomes golden brown, and then dip it in honey.
8 Take Chebbakia and put in a strainer and sprinkle sesame above it.
Bonne Appetit! Moroccan Chebbakia watch the video demonstrating the steps of making Chebbakia.
by Layla Dahamou
Morocco World News
