Authentic Sellou Meknes Zemeta

Ingredients for 8 servings:

• 500 g buckwheat flour
• 250 g powdered sugar
• 65 ml oil (argan oil), organic
• 250 g almonds, whole, peeled
• 100 g almonds, chopped
• 250 g sesame seeds
• 2 tsp ammonium bicarbonate
• 1 tbsp cinnamon, ground
• 2 tbsp anise, ground
• 2 tsp salt
• 500 ml vegetable oil for frying
• 200 g honey, spicy, high quality, for serving
• 50 g peanuts to mix in

Instructions

Working time approx. 45 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 15 minutes; Total time approx. 1 hour

vegan and gluten-free, Ramadan specialty

First, spread the flour on baking paper and toast it thoroughly in the oven at moderate heat. Fry 200g of whole, peeled almonds and 150g of sesame seeds separately and let them cool on kitchen paper. The oil should absorb as much of the frying oil as possible. Then grind both into a paste in a blender. No need to add any liquid during grinding. Sift the powdered sugar completely into the toasted flour. Mix both together and stir in the almond-sesame paste. The paste can be worked into the mixture by hand, breaking up any lumps and mixing them together. Gradually add the oil and mix it in with your hands. The consistency is perfect when, when stirred with a spoon, you have a crumbly, loose mass that forms easily breakable pieces. Season the base mixture with anise, salt, and cinnamon. Fry the chopped almonds and the remaining sesame seeds separately and fold into the base mixture. Optionally, you can also add fried peanuts. Vary the quantities according to taste. A feast for the eyes: for decoration, the remaining 50 g of whole, peeled almonds are fried and arranged in patterns on the zemeta. If you like, you can drizzle honey over the zemeta at the table. This is especially delicious. Notes: My zemeta is closely based on the original from Meknes. It is light, fragrant, and full of flavor. It can be prepared entirely with organic ingredients. However, I recommend using certified organic argan oil. The vegan/gluten-free version does not alter the flavor. Portion sizes vary depending on the individual. Therefore, they are only a personal recommendation.