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Amygdalota
Almond sweets
Amygdalota: Andros almond sweets scented with rosewater and rolled in icing sugar
Andros is famous for its almonds, and the island's amygdalota are handed round at weddings, baptisms and Easter: little pear-shaped sweets of ground almond and sugar, baked just long enough to set, then splashed with rosewater and buried in icing sugar. They are soft and chewy inside, perfumed and pure white, and they go with a small cup of Greek coffee. Common mistake: baking them until golden, which turns them dry and hard; they should stay pale. Chef's tip: grind the almonds with some of the sugar so they release less oil and the paste stays light.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 20
Ingredients
- 14 oz blanched almonds
- 7 oz caster sugar
- 1 ⅜ oz fine semolina
- 4 tbsp rosewaterplus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp waterif needed
- 20 whole cloves (optional)
- 5 ½ oz icing sugar
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Grind 14 oz blanched almonds with half the 3 ½ oz caster sugar in a food processor until very fine and starting to clump.
Step 2: Add the rest of 3 ½ oz caster sugar, 1 ⅜ oz fine semolina and 4 tbsp rosewater and pulse to a firm, pliable paste. Add 2 tbsp water a little at a time only if it won't hold together.
Step 3: Heat the oven to 350°F (300°F fan) and line a tray with baking paper. Roll the paste into walnut-sized balls and shape each into a small pear, pressing a clove into the top as a stalk if you like.
Step 4: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until set on the outside but still pale. Common mistake: waiting for colour; by then they are over-baked.
15 minStep 5: While still warm, sprinkle with a little more rosewater, then roll generously in 5 ½ oz icing sugar. Cool completely and roll again. Keep in a tin for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 175 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 20 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does amygdalota take?
- About 45 minutes in total: 30 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 20 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of caster sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
- What can I use instead of icing sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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