Maamoul Dates

Dessert 704 Last Update: Aug 09, 2021 Created: May 30, 2021

• Prep Time: 24 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 min
• Difficulty: Medium

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There are traditionally three authentic stuffings known all over the Middle East, the dates flavoured with cardamom and cinnamon, pistachios mix and the walnut mix. Whatever stuffing is your choice it's all delicious and scrumptious and enjoyed with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• Dough:
• 5 cups Fine Semolina
• 1 cup coarse Semolina
• 300 grams ghee or unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoon icing sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon mahlab (cherry stone spice- found in many Oriental shops major brand is ABIDO)
• 50 milliliter rose water
• 50 milliliter orange blossom water
• 1/2 cup of water
• Dates Maamoul stuffing
• 350 grams minced dates
• 100 grams butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 30 milliliter rose water
• 30 milliliter orange blossom water
• Pistachio Maamoul Stuffing
• 350 grams ground unsalted pistachios
• 100 grams caster sugar
• 30 milliliter rose water
• 30 milliliter orange blossom water

Directions

1. In an extra-large bowl or stand mixer, add both types of semolina and apply the ghee into it. if using your might hands, rub the semolina against the butter with your palms until mixed all evenly.
2. Add the sieved icing sugar, yeast, mahlab spice and the water. Mix all well until they become like a semi-soft dough.
3. Add the fragrant waters (rose water and orange blossom) and let it rest for about 24 hours. I remember my mum preparing the maamoul mix in the early evening and leaving it in a cool dry place to next day as she starts preparing the stuffing.
4. Make a tiny dough ball in your hands then poke it with your finger to make a hole for the stuffing. Close firmly and shape it into a ball and then place in the suitable wooden mould.
5. Note that you should oil the wooden mould slightly and then shape the stuffed maamoul dough into he mould evenly and tap.
6. Place on parchment paper and bake at 180 degrees Celcius for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden in colour.
7. Sprinkle with icing sugar once cooled and arrange in a pretty platter ready to be served with tea or coffee.