Maqrouta with Dates — A Traditional Levantine Delight

Maqrouta is a beloved traditional pastry from the Levantine kitchen, known for its crisp texture, delightful flavor, and nutritional richness.

This date-filled treat combines the warmth of semolina, butter, and aromatic spices with the natural sweetness of dates and honey, making it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon indulgence.

Try this authentic recipe from Nadormagazine and impress your guests with one of the most iconic date desserts of the region.

Cooking Time

⏱️ 60 minutes

Serves

🍽️ 5 people

Ingredients

For the dough:

• Fine semolina – 2 cups

• All-purpose flour – ¼ cup

• Salt – a pinch

• Melted butter – 3 tablespoons

• Orange blossom water – ⅔ cup

For the filling:

• Dates – 200 g

• Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon

• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon

• Melted butter – 2 tablespoons

• Orange blossom water – 2 tablespoons

For frying and finishing:

• Vegetable oil – 2 cups

• Honey – 2 cups

• Orange blossom water – 2 tablespoons (to add to the honey, optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, flour, and salt.
   Add the melted butter and rub the mixture gently with your fingertips until the grains are evenly coated.
   Cover and let it rest for 1 hour to allow the semolina to absorb the butter.

2. After resting, pour in the orange blossom water gradually while kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms.

3. Prepare the date filling:
   In a separate bowl, mix the dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and orange blossom water until the mixture becomes smooth and dough-like.

4. Assemble the Maqrouta:
   Roll the dough into a medium-sized log and flatten it slightly.
   Shape the date mixture into a thinner log and place it in the center of the dough.
   Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges tightly.
   Cut the roll into medium-sized pieces using a sharp knife.

5. Let the shaped pieces rest for 30 minutes.

6. Bake or fry:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   Arrange the Maqrouta pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake until golden brown.

   Alternatively, you may deep-fry them in hot vegetable oil until crisp and golden.

7. Optional step:
   In a small saucepan, warm the honey over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently. Stir in orange blossom water for extra aroma.

8. To serve:
   Drizzle the warm honey mixture over the baked Maqrouta pieces or dip them briefly before serving.

✨ Serving Tip:

Enjoy Maqrouta warm with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea.

Its crisp exterior and sweet, spiced date filling create a perfect harmony of flavor and tradition.