Algerian
Gluten freeMchewek (almond cookies)
Mchewek: chewy Algerian almond-paste cookies rolled in flaked almonds
Mchewek means something like 'prickly', which is exactly how these cookies look: balls of almond paste rolled in flaked almonds so the flakes stick out like spines, each topped with half a candied cherry and baked only until the tips turn gold. Inside they stay soft and chewy, like a rustic macaroon. Being made with no flour, they suit anyone avoiding gluten, and they appear on Eid and wedding trays all over Algeria, often brushed with a little honey syrup for shine. Chef's tip: take them out when the edges are just golden and the centres still feel soft; overbaking is the classic mistake and leaves them dry and crumbly once cool.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Serves
- 12
- Per serving
- 290 kcal
Ingredients
- 10 ½ oz ground almonds
- 5 ½ oz caster sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zestfinely grated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggsmedium, lightly beaten
- 5 ½ oz flaked almonds
To decorate
- 12 glacé cherries (optional)halved
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)warmed with 1 tbsp water
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Method
0/7 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (fan 300°F) and line a tray with baking paper.
Step 2: Mix 10 ½ oz ground almonds, 5 ½ oz caster sugar, 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Add three-quarters of 1 ½ eggs and mix into a soft paste that holds together when squeezed; add more egg only if it is crumbly.
Step 3: Roll the paste into 24 balls of about 25 g, using damp hands.
Step 4: Dip each ball in the rest of ½ eggs, then roll it in 5 ½ oz flaked almonds, pressing gently so the flakes stick out all round.
Step 5: Set them on the tray 3 cm apart and press half a glacé cherry, from 12 glacé cherries, on top of each if you like.
Step 6: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the almond flakes are just golden at the tips and the cookies feel firm outside but soft in the middle.
18 minStep 7: Brush with 2 tbsp honey while warm for a shine, if you like. Cool on the tray; they firm up as they cool. Store in a tin for up to a week.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 290 kcal
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbs
- 18 g
- Fat
- 21 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does mchewek (almond cookies) take?
- About 38 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 18 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 12 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of ground almonds?
- Ground cashews, same amount.
- What can I use instead of caster sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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