At a glance

• Category: Snack
• Meal: snack

Ingredients

• Semolina (Rava) — 3 cup
• Smen — 1 cup
• Salt — 1/2 tsp
• Orange Blossom Water — 1/2 cup
• Filtered Water — 1/2 cup
• Date Paste (Ghers) — 300 g
• Ground Cinnamon — 1 tsp
• Ground cloves — 1/4 tsp
• Black or White Sesame Seeds — 2 tbsp
• Vegetable Oil — 1 l
• Raw Honey — 2 cup

Method

• 1. Begin by preparing the semolina mixture. In a large wide bowl (gsaa), mix the medium semolina and salt. Pour in the melted Smen (or ghee). Rub the fat into the grains thoroughly with your hands for 5-10 minutes to ensure every grain is coated. Cover and let this rest for at least 1 hour (traditionally left overnight).
• 2. Prepare the date filling while the dough rests. Knead the date paste with cinnamon, ground cloves, toasted sesame seeds, and a splash of orange blossom water until soft and malleable. Roll the date paste into thin logs (about the thickness of a finger) and set aside.
• 3. Finish the dough. Take a portion of the rested semolina mixture (do not do it all at once). Gradually sprinkle a mixture of water and orange blossom water over it. Mix gently with your fingertips—do not knead like bread, or it will become tough. Gather it until it holds together.
• 4. Form the Makrout. Take a handful of dough and shape it into a long, thick log. Make a deep indentation/trough down the center of the log lengthwise using your thumb.
• 5. Place a log of date paste into the indentation. Pinch the semolina dough up and over the dates to seal it completely. Roll the log gently on the work surface to smooth it out.
• 6. Flatten the log slightly. If you have a traditional Makrout mold/stamp, press it firmly onto the top to create the design. Cut the log diagonally into diamond shapes.
• 7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). While the oil heats, warm the honey in a separate saucepan with a tablespoon of orange blossom water. Keep it warm but not boiling.
• 8. Fry the Makrout in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn a deep golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking (about 4-6 minutes).
• 9. Remove the pastries from the oil using a slotted spoon and immediately submerge them into the warm honey. Let them soak for at least 2-3 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
• 10. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess honey. Let them cool completely before serving, as the date center retains heat.

Health benefits

• Provides sustained energy due to the complex carbohydrates in semolina and dates.
• Dates are traditionally considered a tonic for the heart and blood (Rakta Dhatu).
• Ghee (Smen) promotes lubrication of the tissues and supports Ojas.

Indications

• Daurbalya (general weakness)
• Vata-vriddhi (excess Vata)

Suitable doshas

• vata

Pathya (supportive)

• Suitable for individuals with high physical activity or those needing to build tissue (Dhatu) during cold weather.

Apathya (avoid)

• Avoid in cases of Mandagni (weak digestion), obesity, or inflammatory conditions.

Contraindications

• Not suitable for those with active Kapha imbalances or weight management goals.

Frequently asked questions