Kwarezimal – Maltese Almond Biscuits
Calories: 456.77kcal|Protein: 12.57g|Carbohydrates: 38.77g|Fat: 28.72g
| 40 minutes
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Discover Kwarezimal, a traditional Maltese sweet baked during Lent, using dates, oats, and almonds, honoring historical Lenten customs.
Kwarezimal, a traditional Maltese sweet dating back to the Knights of Malta, is a Lenten delicacy devoid of fat or eggs, adhering to medieval penitential customs. The term “kwarezimal” stems from “quaresima,” representing the forty days of Lent. Our guilt-free kwarezimal replaces flour and sugar, utilizing dates for sweetness and oats with ground almonds to replace flour.
Why you’ll like it
- Honours Maltese Tradition: This recipe respects historical fasting customs, avoiding ingredients like fat and eggs, while celebrating the rich heritage of traditional cooking.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: By incorporating nutrient-rich alternatives such as dates, oats, and almonds, this recipe maintains the essence of traditional flavours while providing essential nutrients such as fibre, protein, and healthy fats, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Natural Sweetness: Dates offer natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars, making this recipe a healthier alternative for satisfying sweet cravings.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Medjool dates. They are naturally soft and moist, so they typically do not require soaking before use. However, if your dates are particularly dry or if you prefer a smoother texture in your final dish, you can soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes before using.
- Gradually add water to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- Brushing honey on hot cakes adds sweetness and shine.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:
- Dried figs or apricots can replace dates for a unique flavour profile.
- Enhance with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Use shredded coconut or sesame seeds as nut-free alternatives.
- Replace Honey with a vegan alternative like maple syrup.
Storing and Make Ahead Instructions for Kwarezimal
- Storing: Store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Make ahead: shape dough into cakes and freeze on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Bake as directed, adding extra minutes if needed.
What to Serve with Kwarezimal:
- Enjoy as a snack with tea or coffee.
- Serve as a dessert with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for added sweetness.
Kwarezimal tar-Randan (Maltese Lenten Biscuits)
Protein: 12.57g|Carbohydrates: 38.77g|Fat: 28.72g
Description
Discover Kwarezimal, a traditional Maltese sweet baked during Lent, using dates, oats, and almonds, honoring historical Lenten customs.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 500 g ground almonds
- 100 g oatmeal ground
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 3 tablespoons orange blossom water
- 50 ml water added gradually
- 8 dates chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon grated
- Zest of 1 orange grated
- Zest of 2 mandarins grated
- Juice of 1 orange
Topping
- Honey
- Crushed roasted almonds or pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
- In a food processor, combine the ground almonds, oatmeal, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Mix well.
- Add the chopped dates into the food processor.
- Add all the wet ingredients.
- Add 50ml water, gradually. Blend until a dough ball forms.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into rectangular cakes and flatten on the tray.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While still hot, brush cakes with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Allow to cool before serving.
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