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Dziriat (Algerian Almond Tarts)

By: RECIPEDOCTOR 
"This recipe with all its variants is prepared only on special celebrations and weddings. It is a challenge to prepare, but is well worth the time and effort. There exist several varieties of this recipe. Some use molds while others are molded by hand, and some are dipped in syrup and others are not. The dough recipe may include butter instead of vegetable oil and sometimes egg is omitted. The goal is a non flaky, thin, and firm crust."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 5.0 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (2)

Prep Time:
2 Hrs
Cook Time:
25 Min
Ready In:
1 Day 2 Hrs 25 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 40 almond tarts
 

Ingredients

  • Sugar Syrup
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange flower water
  •  
  • Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange flower water
  •  
  • Filling
  • 4 cups raw almonds
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 tablespoons orange flower water
  •  
  • cornstarch, for rolling out the dough
  • pine nuts, for decoration

Directions

  1. Prepare the almonds the day before. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, and add the almonds. Let the almonds soak in water for about 5 minutes, then drain and peel. Spread the almonds on baking sheets, and bake at 200 degrees F(95 degrees C) until completely dry and toasted. This takes several hours, and needs to be prepared ahead. Be careful not to burn the nuts, as this will give a bitter taste to the filling.
  2. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer until syrupy, about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in orange blossom water, and remove from heat. Set sugar syrup aside.
  3. Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a hole in the center, and pour oil, egg, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon orange blossom water into the center. Mix with fingers until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually sprinkle with warm water while mixing until the dough becomes soft and pliable. Divide into 4 equal portions. Cover dough with a wet cloth, and set aside.
  4. In a food processor, finely grind the almonds. Measure 3 cups of the finely ground almonds into a mixing bowl, and stir together with 1 cup sugar, baking powder, vanilla powder, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons orange flower water. Mix in three eggs one at a time, stirring constantly; mix until you get a sticky, paste-like mixture.
  5. Sprinkle cornstarch on the rolling surface to prevent sticking. Roll each portion of dough very thinly, 1 to 2 millimeters (1/16 inch). Cut the rolled dough into circles of about 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter each. Lightly wipe the surface of each circle with cornstarch, and fit into a tart mold, cornstarch side down to prevent sticking. Gently press the dough onto the sides and bottom of the mold, and trim extra dough from around the rim. Fill three quarters of each mold with the almond filling.
  6. Bake on the top shelf at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface of the tart is golden and the dough is firm. Remove the tarts from the molds as soon as they come out of the oven. Dip each tart in the sugar syrup while still hot. Stick a pine nut into the middle of each tart for decoration. Place on a wire rack to drain.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 170 | Total Fat: 9.3g | Cholesterol: 21mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 5.0 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2005 by Syd Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
I was a little intimidated by this recipe, but with one change, this recipe is not hard. The...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 5.0 star rating.
Reviewed on Feb. 24, 2004 by Hanaa   view full review
Even though preparation is lengthy by most standards, it is the best oriental sweet recipe...

 

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