Moroccan Chebakia

How to make the most famous Moroccan dessert in Ramadan: Chebakia

Chebakia is considered one of the most popular Moroccan desserts and it is especially prepared and served in Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Chebakia dough is flavored with toasted sesame seeds and almonds and some spices that are widely used in preparing Moroccan desserts. It is shaped into flowers, deep fried, and then dipped in honey and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Let’s learn together how to prepare this wonderful dish and add a flavor of Moroccan desserts to our Ramadan feast.

Step one: Ingredients we will need to prepare around 80 pieces:

• • 1 KG of all purpose flour
  • 200 grams of sesame seeds
  • 200 grams of blanched almonds
  • 2 teaspoons of dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 cup of olive oil
  • 1 cup of melted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons of vinegar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon of saffron
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of ground anise seeds
  • Orange blossom water (as needed)
  • Oil for frying
  • Honey for dipping
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Step two: Preparing the Chebakia dough

• 1. Toast the sesame seeds and blanched almonds in a pan until golden.
  2. Grind them in a food processor then add them to the flour.
  3. Add baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ground anise seeds.
  4. Dilute the yeast and saffron in some water then add them to the flour/spices mixture.
  5. Add the melted butter, olive oil, vinegar, and egg yolks to the mixture and mix well.
  6. Add the orange blossom water gradually then knead the dough for 15 minutes until it is smooth.
  7. Divide the dough to 8 equal pieces for easier handling.
  8. Use the Chebakia mold to form flowers with the dough.

Step three: Frying and serving the Chebakia

1. After the Chebakia flowers have rested for 15 minutes, heat a generous amount of oil and then deep-fry the flowers.
2. Dip the fried Chebakia in honey then transfer them to the serving plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Serve cold after the Iftar meal in the holy month of Ramadan. This kind of Moroccan dessert will satisfy the sweet tooth of any guest or family member, so don’t hesitate to try this wonderful recipe!