Makrout el Koucha from Blida: A Timeless Algerian Pastry

The History of Makrout el Koucha

Makrout el Koucha, also known as makrout la3ssel, is one of the most beloved traditional pastries in Algeria, and its roots trace back to the city of Blida. Unlike the fried version of makrout that is found across the Maghreb, Makrout el Koucha is baked in the oven (koucha means “oven” in Algerian dialect).

This pastry holds a special place in Algerian culture. It is often associated with weddings and family celebrations, where it is prepared in generous quantities to honor guests. Its rich texture, infused with orange blossom water and honey, symbolizes both hospitality and joy. In Blida, this pastry has become a culinary emblem, passed down from generation to generation, preserving both flavor and tradition.

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The Recipe: Makrout el Koucha with Honey

If you’d like to bring a taste of Algerian tradition to your home, here’s a simple recipe for preparing Makrout el Koucha.

Ingredients

• 4 measures of semolina (2 measures of coarse semolina + 2 measures of medium semolina)
  
• 1 pinch of salt
  
• 1 measure of smen (clarified butter)
  
• Orange blossom water (for sprinkling)
  
• For the filling: 3 measures of ground almonds + 1 measure of sugar, mixed with a little orange blossom water
  
• Honey (for dipping)
  
• Oil (for frying)
  

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the semolina, smen, and salt. Rub the mixture with your hands until crumbly. Cover and let it rest overnight.
   
2. The next day, lightly sprinkle the mixture with orange blossom water and bring it together to form a soft dough.
   
3. Shape the dough into a long cylinder.
   
4. Place the almond-sugar filling along the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing well to form a log.
   
5. Cut the log into diamond-shaped pieces.
   
6. Fry the pieces in moderately hot oil until golden brown.
   
7. Immediately dip the fried makrout into warm honey, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
   

Serving Makrout el koucha

Makrout el Koucha is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or mint tea. Its honey-soaked texture and delicate almond filling make it a dessert that embodies both tradition and elegance.