Moroccan cuisine · Desserts & Sweets

Zrir

Balls of toasted sesame and almonds, bound with honey and anise — the classic strengthening treat for new mothers.

Ingredients · for 8 servings

• 250 g sesame seeds
• 200 g almonds
• 200 g honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp anise (ground)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water

Instructions

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a wide pan over medium heat for 4–5 min, stirring constantly, until golden, then pour immediately onto a cold baking sheet.
2. Toast the almonds in the same pan for 5 min until light brown inside, then let cool completely.
3. Grind two-thirds of the sesame seeds with the almonds, anise, cinnamon and salt in a food processor for 2–3 min into a glossy, coarse-grained paste.
4. Melt butter and honey in a small pot over low heat, stir in the orange blossom water, and add the lukewarm mixture to the sesame paste.
5. Knead everything firmly until a moldable mass forms; if too crumbly, work in more honey a spoonful at a time.
6. Roll the mixture into about 30 cherry-sized balls, coat in the remaining sesame seeds, and chill for 1 hr until firm.