Dried Fruit Maamoul – Recipe and Preparation Method

Dried Fruit Maamoul – Recipe and Preparation Method

Dried fruit maamoul is a type of Eastern dessert often served during holidays, morning gatherings with friends, and various other occasions. It is known for its luxurious taste and sweet flavor, containing a high amount of calories that provide energy throughout the day.

This recipe is easy to prepare, requiring 45 minutes for preparation and only 7 minutes to bake, yielding about 25 pieces of maamoul.

Main Ingredients for Dried Fruit Maamoul:

Dough Ingredients:

• 3½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of cold animal ghee
• ¾ cup of sugar
• ¾ cup of very cold water
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast

Filling Ingredients:

• 400 grams (about ½ kg) of finely chopped dried fruits

For Serving:

• Nathef (if available, or powdered sugar can be used as an alternative)

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large, deep bowl, place the flour and add the animal ghee. Knead the mixture by hand for several minutes until the ghee is fully incorporated (keeping the dough cold is essential during this process; if it starts to warm up, place it in the fridge for 15 minutes, then continue working). Once you have a smooth dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix the instant yeast, sugar, and cold water, stirring well until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove the dough from the fridge, pour the yeast mixture over it, and knead for about one minute until the dough absorbs the mixture well.

3. Divide the dough into 25 small balls, roughly the size of a walnut. Take the first ball, flatten it on a dry surface with your hand until it becomes flat, then place ¾ of a tablespoon of the dried fruit filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling, shaping it into an oval. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used.

4. Place each maamoul ball into a maamoul mold, press it gently, and then arrange them on a baking tray. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F), place the tray on the middle rack, and bake for 5-7 minutes until the maamoul turns light golden.

5. Finally, remove the tray from the oven, arrange the maamoul on a serving plate, and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over each piece or serve with a side of nathef.

Enjoy your dried fruit maamoul, hoping it brings joy to your special moments!