Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts – Recipe for Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts

Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts – Recipe for Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts

Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian walnuts is one of the most famous desserts served during holidays and special occasions in Syria. It is known for its delicious taste and the high nutritional value of its ingredients. In this recipe, I will share the ingredients for eight servings and guide you through the preparation method, hoping you enjoy this special Syrian dessert.

Ingredients for Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts:

 

For the Dough:

• 800 grams of white zero flour
• 1 cup of coarse semolina (Durum wheat flour)
• 500 grams of vegetable shortening
• 1 cup of white sugar
• ¾ cup of lukewarm drinking water
• ½ tablespoon of yeast
• 2 tablespoons of powdered milk
• Ground mahlab (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of melted animal ghee (for brushing the Ma'amoul)

For the Al-Raha Filling:

• Al-Raha (Turkish delight) pieces (as needed)
• Crushed walnuts (as needed)
• Vegetable shortening (as needed)
• 1 teaspoon of rose water

Preparation Method for Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian Walnuts:

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a suitable bowl, mix the white flour, semolina, and vegetable shortening together. Rub the ingredients with your hands until the mixture has a creamy texture.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, mahlab, powdered milk, and lukewarm water. Stir the ingredients until the sugar and milk dissolve, then pour the mixture over the flour mixture.
3. Knead the ingredients quickly for about 2 minutes, then let the dough rest for at least 4 hours.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a non-stick pot over medium heat, melt the Al-Raha with a little vegetable shortening and some drinking water. Stir the mixture for about 3–4 minutes using a wooden spoon until the Al-Raha pieces are fully melted, then remove from the heat.
2. Toast the crushed walnuts in a separate pot, then add the rose water and stir until the walnuts are well combined.
3. Mix the toasted walnuts into the melted Al-Raha until the ingredients are fully combined. Place the filling mixture in the refrigerator and allow it to firm up.
4. Once the filling is firm, shape it into small balls.

Assembling the Ma'amoul:

1. Shape the dough into medium-sized balls, then flatten each ball into a circular disc.
2. Place the filling inside the dough discs and close them, ensuring the edges are sealed.
3. Grease a baking tray with a little oil, and arrange the Ma'amoul discs on the tray.

Baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once heated, place the tray in the oven and bake the Ma'amoul until fully cooked.
2. Remove the tray from the oven and brush the tops of the Ma'amoul with melted ghee. Arrange the Ma'amoul on a serving plate.

Your Ma'amoul Al-Raha with Syrian walnuts is now ready to be served. Enjoy its delicious taste with your family or guests. Bon appétit!