Moroccan Stuffed Pastry (Gâteau Mahnaché) Recipe

 

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Moroccan Stuffed Pastry (Gâteau Mahnaché) Recipe

Ingredients (مقادير):

For the dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour (طحين)

• 100 g powdered sugar (سكر ناعم)

• 200 g unsalted butter, softened (زبدة طرية)

• 1 egg (بيضة)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (فانيليا)

• A pinch of salt (رشة ملح)

• Milk as needed (حليب حسب الحاجة)

For the filling (الحشوة):

• 200 g ground almonds (لوز مطحون)

• 100 g powdered sugar (سكر ناعم)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (قرفة)

• 2 tbsp orange blossom water (ماء الزهر)

• Optional: 50 g crushed walnuts (جوز مطحون)

For decoration (للتزيين):

• Powdered sugar (سكر ناعم)

• Honey or egg wash (عسل أو بيضة للدهن)

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Method (طريقة التحضير):

1. Prepare the dough (تحضير العجين):

   • In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

   • Add the softened butter and rub with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Add the egg and vanilla, then knead gently, adding milk little by little, until you get a soft, smooth dough.

   • Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling (تحضير الحشوة):

   • In a bowl, mix ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and crushed walnuts (if using).

   • Add orange blossom water and mix until the mixture is cohesive and slightly sticky.

3. Shape the pastries (تشكيل الحلوى):

   • Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).

   • Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface.

   • Cut into rectangles or circles (depending on the shape you prefer).

   • Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each piece.

   • Fold over the dough to cover the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers.

4. Bake (الخبز):

   • Place the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   • Brush with egg wash or leave plain.

   • Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

5. Finish (التقديم):

   • Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey