Fekkas

Fekkas are traditional Moroccan cookies that are crispy and full of dried fruits, often served during the Ramadan festivities or on other festive occasions. Typically, they are enjoyed with mint tea or coffee. Here’s how you can prepare them with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 500 g of flour
• 250 g of granulated sugar
• 125 g of melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of powdered vanilla or vanilla extract
• 100 g of whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 100 g of raisins
• Grated zest of one orange (for an Italian touch)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of powdered anise or anise seeds for a more traditional flavor

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and vanilla (and anise, if using).

2. Add the eggs and melted butter and work the mixture until it becomes smooth and compact.

3. Gently fold the toasted almonds, raisins, and orange zest into the dough.

4. Divide the dough into two or three parts and form long, narrow rolls, about 3-4 centimeters in diameter.

5. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them as they will rise slightly during baking.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are slightly golden.

7. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes; then, with a serrated knife, cut them diagonally into slices 1-2 cm thick.

8. Arrange the slices horizontally on the baking tray and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes per side, or until the biscuits are dry and crispy.

9. Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

Fekkas are known for their shelf life and can be stored for a long time in an airtight container. These cookies are an excellent option for always having something sweet and crispy at hand. The version with orange zest is a small Mediterranean twist that pairs well with the aromatic profile of the traditional Fekkas.