Mlowza (Moroccan almond cake)

Mlowza is a delicious traditional Moroccan cake prepared with almonds and sugar ; it resembles ghriba (ghoriba) often served for Ramadan. This cake is also gluten-free and is one of the most popular Moroccan pastries for its soft texture and almond flavors.

Preparation time 10 mins

Cooking time 15 mins

Total time 25 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

500 g of blanched almonds
300 g of powdered sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp orange blossom water
1 pinch of gum arabic (optional)
1 egg
Icing sugar for decoration

Preparation

1
Prepare the almonds (or use almond powder):
2
Immerse the almonds in boiling water for 2 minutes to hull them (remove the skin). Drain them then let them dry completely.
3
Next, blend the almonds in a food processor to obtain a fine powder, but be careful not to make a paste.
4
Mix the ingredients:
5
In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, sugar, cinnamon and a pinch of gum arabic (if using).
6
Then add the orange blossom water and the egg. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous paste. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more orange blossom water.
7
Shape the cookies:
8
Take a small portion of dough (about the size of a walnut) and shape it into a diamond or ball shape, depending on the traditional shape you want.
9
Roll each cookie in icing sugar to coat.
10
Cooking :
11
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
12
Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
13
Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The Mlowza must remain quite pale and not brown too much to maintain their fondant texture.
14
Cooling:
15
Let the Mlowza cool when they come out of the oven before moving them, as they are very fragile when hot.
16
These little fondant almond cakes are perfect to accompany a mint tea or to be offered on special occasions. Their subtle flavor of orange blossom and cinnamon makes them an irresistible treat.

Read it online: https://glutenevasion.fr/recette/la-mlowza-gateau-marocain-aux-amandes/