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Amlou is a traditional Moroccan spread made from almonds, honey, and argan oil, often enjoyed as a luxurious addition to bread or pancakes during breakfast. Rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients, it offers a unique combination of flavours, earthy, nutty, sweet, and slightly tangy, thanks to its star ingredient: argan oil. This simple yet decadent spread has become a beloved staple in Moroccan homes, cherished for its flavour and its cultural connection.
What Is Amlou?
Amlou is essentially a spread, but it’s much more than that to the Moroccan people. It’s made from roasted almonds, which are ground into a smooth paste, combined with pure argan oil, and sweetened with honey. The texture is velvety, and the taste is a balance of deep nuttiness from the almonds, the richness of the argan oil, and a light sweetness from the honey. It’s commonly eaten with bread or drizzled over pancakes, offering a nourishing start to the day.
Ingredients and Taste
The magic of Amlou lies in its ingredients. First, roasted almonds bring an earthy, toasted flavour, while their natural oils enhance the creaminess. Argan oil, a unique and valuable oil native to Morocco, contributes an almost buttery richness with slight tangy undertones. Finally, honey adds just the right touch of sweetness, harmonizing with the other flavours. The result is a smooth, rich, and indulgent spread with layers of flavour, each bite highlighting the balance of sweet, nutty, and savoury.
A Taste of History
Amlou’s origins are deeply tied to the Berber communities of Morocco, particularly in the southwestern region where argan trees grow. Traditionally, women hand-pressed argan oil and ground almonds into paste to create this nourishing spread. Historically, Amlou was considered a special treat, often prepared during celebrations or shared among family members. Argan oil, used for both its culinary and cosmetic properties, has been prized for centuries, giving Amlou a cultural significance as well as a nutritional one.
Authentic Moroccan Amlou Recipe
Serves: 4 People
Ingredients:
- 200g roasted almonds
- 120ml pure argan oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and roast them for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown. Roasting enhances the nutty flavor. Let them cool completely.
Once cooled, place the roasted almonds in a food processor and grind them into a fine, smooth paste. Be patient; it may take a few minutes for the almonds to release their oils and form the desired consistency.
Gradually add the argan oil to the almond paste, blending continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. The argan oil should fully incorporate into the almonds for a velvety texture.
Drizzle in the honey and continue blending. The honey will add sweetness and help bind the mixture. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey if necessary.
(Optional) Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavours, though traditional Amlou may not include salt. Blend briefly to mix the salt evenly into the paste.
Taste and adjust the consistency. If the Amlou is too thick, you can add a bit more argan oil until it reaches a spreadable texture.
Transfer the Amlou to a glass jar or airtight container. Let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld. This enhances the rich, nutty aroma of the almonds and argan oil.
Serve the Amlou with warm bread, Moroccan msemen, or drizzled over pancakes. You can also use it as a dip for fruits. The spread keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Stir before serving, as the oil may separate naturally.
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