Kaab el ghazal: A Delicate and Distinctive Moroccan Pastry

Kaab el ghazal is a traditional Moroccan pastry that is known for its delicate and distinctive nature. It is made with thin filo dough and filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and orange blossom water. The pastry is then rolled and shaped into long, tubular forms resembling the hoof of a gazelle. It is baked until it turns golden in color.

Description:

Kaab el ghazal is a delicate and flaky pastry with a sweet and nutty filling. The dough is made with thin filo sheets that are layered and brushed with melted butter. The filling is made with ground almonds, sugar, orange blossom water, cinnamon, and salt. The pastry is then rolled and shaped into long, tubular forms that resemble the hoof of a gazelle.

History:

The exact origins of kaab el ghazal are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Morocco centuries ago. The pastry is often served on special occasions such as holidays and weddings. It is also a popular snack or dessert.

Here is a recipe for preparing "Kaab elghazal .

Ingredients:

2 cups ground almonds

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange blossom water

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 package of filo dough

Butter, melted

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, orange blossom water, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until you have a smooth and cohesive filling.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Take a sheet of filo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 5-6 layers of filo dough.

Cut the layered filo dough into rectangular strips, about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.

Take one strip of filo dough and place a small portion of the almond filling at one end. Fold the end over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the dough in a triangle shape, enclosing the filling, until you reach the end of the strip.

Repeat the process with the remaining strips of filo dough and almond filling.

Place the triangular pastries on the prepared baking sheet and brush them lightly with melted butter.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastries turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Serve the Kaab el ghazal pastries at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips:

For a more flavorful filling, you can add a few drops of rose water or other flavoring extract.

If you want to make a more decorative pastry, you can cut the filo dough into different shapes before filling it.

You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped pistachios or dried fruit.