Looking for a delicious, nutritious spread that fits perfectly within the Orthodox fasting guidelines? Amlou, a traditional Moroccan almond butter made with pure organic culinary argan oil, is a wonderful option to nourish your body during fasting. It’s easy to make, packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, and will keep you going throughout the day.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
Amlou is a delicious and nourishing Moroccan recipe that combines roasted almonds, honey, and pure argan oil. It's perfect for Orthodox Christians observing fasting because it offers a balanced mix of healthy fats, protein, and natural sweetness from honey. Argan oil, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, gives the recipe its smooth, nutty flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
This spread is not only simple to make, but it's also a hit with the whole family—even with picky eaters! Packed with protein and fiber, Amlou gives you sustained energy, making it perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even an indulgent treat during afternoon tea. Plus, the wholesome ingredients help support your immune system, making it an excellent choice for families with young children.
🥄 Ingredients
1 - Key Ingredients
1 - Key Ingredients
- 3 cups of raw almonds
- ¾ cups of raw honey
- ¾ cups of pure organic culinary argan oil
- A pinch of sea salt
These finest ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy almond paste that’s both luxurious and nutritious. Make sure to use high-quality culinary argan oil for the best flavor and health benefits!
2 - Variations
2 - Variations
There are a few ways you can tweak this recipe while still keeping it fasting-friendly:
- Replace almonds with walnuts for a more earthy, robust flavor.
- If you don’t have honey, use pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced twist, perfect for those colder months.
These variations still offer great nutritional value and are a great source of magnesium, vitamins E, and healthy fats, just like the original recipe.
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🍴 Instructions
1 - Step by Step Instructions
Making Amlou from scratch is a fun process, and with just a little patience, you'll end up with a delicious spread full of tasty ingredients like pure organic culinary argan oil and raw honey. Let’s break down each step in more detail to make sure you get the best results.
Step 1 - Toast the Almonds
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by spreading 3 cups of raw almonds in an even layer. Be sure the almonds aren't too crowded on the tray, so they toast evenly. Place the tray in the oven and let the almonds roast for about 7-8 minutes. During this time, stay close! The almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of moments, so give them a quick check after 5 minutes. Once you see a golden hue and smell that warm, nutty aroma, take them out of the oven. Let the almonds sit and cool for 1-2 minutes. Toasting is key because it enhances the natural oils in the almonds, which is essential for achieving that creamy texture later.
Step 2 - Grind the Almonds
Now, transfer the toasted almonds into a food processor. Start by pulsing the almonds on low speed to begin the process. At first, they’ll break down into a light, dry powder. Don’t worry if it seems like nothing’s happening—this is part of the process! After a couple of minutes, the mixture will start to clump together and might even harden or stick to the sides of the processor.
Here’s where patience comes in: Stop the processor and use a spatula to scrape down the sides. Push the almond mixture back towards the blades so everything grinds evenly. You might need to do this a number of times. As you continue grinding, the almonds will eventually release their natural oils and turn into a smooth almond butter. This transformation usually takes 8-10 minutes, so don’t rush! Stick with it and you'll end up with a rich, creamy paste.
Step 3 - Mix the Ingredients
Once you’ve got your almond butter, transfer it to a large bowl. This is where the magic happens! Start by slowly blending in the pure organic culinary argan oil and raw honey. Add the ingredients gradually: begin with about ¼ cup of argan oil, stirring it in with a spatula. Next, add ¼ cup of honey and keep stirring. Repeat this process until you’ve added all ¾ cups of argan oil and ¾ cups of honey.
Each time you add the argan oil, the mixture will seem like it’s becoming too liquidy. But don’t worry—when you add the honey, it will balance everything out and thicken the mixture. This slow, step-by-step process ensures that the nut butter achieves the perfect consistency without becoming too runny. Once you’ve incorporated everything, give it a final taste. Add a pinch of sea salt, and if you want your Amlou a little sweeter, you can mix in a bit more honey. This creates a rich spread perfect for tea time or breakfast.
That's it! You now have a jar full of Moroccan goodness—perfectly smooth Amlou made with the finest ingredients, like culinary argan oil straight from the south of Morocco.
2 - Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
Tip: When processing the almonds, make sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally to ensure even grinding.
Serving suggestions: Spread Amlou over fresh bread, serve it with Moroccan pancakes (Msemen), or even dip fruits like apples and pears into it. It’s a delightful pairing for afternoon tea as well.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Storing Amlou properly is key to maintaining its rich experience and preserving its nutrients, thanks to the organic argan oil and raw almonds. Made with traditional methods using pure honey and argan oil, the delicate fats in Amlou can spoil if not stored correctly. Culinary Argan in particular, is sensitive to heat and air, which can lead to oxidation and a loss of both flavor and nutritional value, including the presence of phytosterol, which helps reduce cholesterol and supports heart health.
Short-Term Storage
Short-Term Storage
For short-term use, Amlou can be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from getting in. Place it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to protect the delicate oils. This method works well if you’re using it daily for tea time or as a nut butter on bread or fruit. However, if you're in a warmer climate like South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, equatorial Guinea, or the Palestinian territories, refrigeration is a better option to prevent the argan oil from going rancid.
Long-Term Storage
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, it’s best to keep Amlou in the fridge, where it can last for up to 2 weeks. Use an airtight glass jar to ensure freshness. This not only prevents air from affecting the ingredients but also keeps the spread easy to scoop out whenever you need it. Just remember to take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften to its original creamy consistency.
Freezing for Extended Storage
Freezing for Extended Storage
If you want to make a larger batch and save it for later, freezing is an excellent option. Store Amlou in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir to mix any separation that may have occurred during freezing. Freezing allows you to enjoy your delicious spread multiple times without losing any of its quality—perfect for those busy days when you're juggling a lot, whether you're in the British Virgin Islands or Trinidad & Tobago.
🍽 Side Dishes
Amlou is such a versatile spread that you can serve it with a variety of dishes. Here are three ideas that pair well with it:
- Fresh Moroccan Pancakes (Msemen): Amlou tastes amazing spread over warm, flaky Moroccan pancakes. This combo is great for breakfast or a snack.
- Whole Grain Bread: Serve Amlou with slices of fresh, whole-grain bread for a heartier snack. The nutty flavors of the almonds and the richness of the argan oil complement each other beautifully.
- Sliced Fruit: Apples and pears pair perfectly with Amlou. The sweetness of the fruit complements the earthy, rich flavors of the almond butter, creating a refreshing and healthy treat.
Amlou is a recipe that combines the richness of almonds and the benefits of argan oil to create a delicious, protein-packed spread that’s perfect for fasting. Whether you enjoy it on bread, with pancakes, or as a dip for fruit, it's a nutritious and simple recipe that anyone can make and enjoy!
📝 Recipe Card
Amlou: The Moroccan Almond Butter With Argan Oil
Ingredients
- 3 cups almonds raw
- ¾ cups honey raw
- ¾ cups argan oil preferably organic
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
Step 1 - Toast the Almonds
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by spreading 3 cups of raw almonds in an even layer. Be sure the almonds aren't too crowded on the tray, so they toast evenly. Place the tray in the oven and let the almonds roast for about 7-8 minutes. During this time, stay close! The almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of moments, so give them a quick check after 5 minutes. Once you see a golden hue and smell that warm, nutty aroma, take them out of the oven. Let the almonds sit and cool for 1-2 minutes. Toasting is key because it enhances the natural oils in the almonds, which is essential for achieving that creamy texture later.
Step 2 - Grind the Almonds
- Now, transfer the toasted almonds into a food processor. Start by pulsing the almonds on low speed to begin the process. At first, they’ll break down into a light, dry powder. Don’t worry if it seems like nothing’s happening—this is part of the process! After a couple of minutes, the mixture will start to clump together and might even harden or stick to the sides of the processor.
- Here’s where patience comes in: Stop the processor and use a spatula to scrape down the sides. Push the almond mixture back towards the blades so everything grinds evenly. You might need to do this a number of times. As you continue grinding, the almonds will eventually release their natural oils and turn into a smooth almond butter. This transformation usually takes 8-10 minutes, so don’t rush! Stick with it and you'll end up with a rich, creamy paste.
Step 3 - Mix the Ingredients
- Once you’ve got your almond butter, transfer it to a large bowl. This is where the magic happens! Start by slowly blending in the pure organic culinary argan oil and raw honey. Add the ingredients gradually: begin with about ¼ cup of argan oil, stirring it in with a spatula. Next, add ¼ cup of honey and keep stirring. Repeat this process until you’ve added all ¾ cups of argan oil and ¾ cups of honey.
- Each time you add the argan oil, the mixture will seem like it’s becoming too liquidy. But don’t worry—when you add the honey, it will balance everything out and thicken the mixture. This slow, step-by-step process ensures that the nut butter achieves the perfect consistency without becoming too runny. Once you’ve incorporated everything, give it a final taste. Add a pinch of sea salt, and if you want your Amlou a little sweeter, you can mix in a bit more honey. This creates a rich spread perfect for tea time or breakfast.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
Tip: When processing the almonds, make sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally to ensure even grinding. Serving suggestions: Spread Amlou over fresh bread, serve it with Moroccan pancakes (Msemen), or even dip fruits like apples and pears into it. It’s a delightful pairing for afternoon tea as well.Nutrition
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Moroccan Amlou is a traditional spread made from ground almonds, pure organic argan oil, and honey (sometimes orange honey for an extra touch of sweetness). It's a staple in Moroccan cuisine, known for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Packed with healthy fats and nutrients thanks to the presence of phytosterol in the argan oil, Amlou is more than just a nut butter—it’s a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.
Amlou is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways! Spread it on bread or toast, drizzle it over pancakes, or dip your favorite fruits in it. It’s also a great topping for smoothies or yogurt. You can enjoy Amlou for breakfast, during tea time, or as a healthy snack. It’s a perfect addition to any meal when you're looking for something rich in flavor and nutrients.
Amlou is made from just a few tasty ingredients: roasted almonds, pure organic culinary argan oil, and raw honey. Some variations include a touch of sea salt or a hint of spice, but the basics are simple and wholesome. The almonds give it a creamy base, the argan oil adds a smooth, nutty richness (and a boost of antioxidants for skin aging), and the honey provides natural sweetness.
You can find Amlou at specialty stores or online from reputable suppliers. Look for Moroccan shops or brands that work directly with an argan company to ensure you're getting high-quality, organic argan oil. Some online retailers offer free shipping, making it easier to have this delicious spread delivered to your door. Just be sure to check that the product uses culinary argan oil—not all argan oil is food-grade!
When stored properly, Amlou can last for quite a while. If you keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge where it can last up to 2 weeks. If you’re looking to save some for later, Amlou can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge and stir it well before using it next time.
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