Fried Almond Cigars

Fried Almond Cigars: A Moroccan Dessert Staple

Fried Almond Cigars are a beloved treat in Moroccan households, often served at celebrations and family gatherings. The crispy dough, filled with sweet almond paste and drenched in syrup, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This dessert is not only a traditional favorite but also an essential part of Moroccan hospitality. Whether at a party or a quiet afternoon with mint tea, these cigars are sure to impress.

What Are Fried Almond Cigars?

Fried Almond Cigars (or Cigares Frits aux Amandes) are a signature Moroccan sweet known for their crispiness and delicious almond filling. Traditionally served at Moroccan celebrations, these cigars are fried to golden perfection, dipped in syrup, and enjoyed with a hot cup of mint tea. They’re a perfect combination of sweetness and crunch that transports you straight to Morocco with every bite.

Ingredients for Fried Almond Cigars

For the Almond Paste:

• 18 oz blanched almonds (or substitute with almond paste “marzipan”)
• 12 oz sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp orange blossom water (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1 egg (beaten)

For the Dough:

• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup water (or dry white wine)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 4 1/2 – 5 cups flour (flour quantity varies, so adjust as needed)

For the Syrup:

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• Juice of 1 whole lemon
• 1 cup water

How to Make Fried Almond Cigars

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling

1. In a food processor, grind the blanched almonds and sugar together.
2. Fold in the beaten egg, cinnamon, and orange blossom water (or vanilla extract). Mix thoroughly to form a smooth almond paste.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, water (or white wine), egg yolk, baking powder, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Slowly add the flour, a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is barely sticky.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Cigars

1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, then cut it into 2-inch thick circles. Dust your work surface with flour, and roll each circle into a paper-thin sheet.
2. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares.
3. Take a teaspoon of almond paste and shape it into a sausage. Place it diagonally onto each square of dough.
4. Carefully roll the dough around the almond paste, forming a cigar shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and almond paste.

Step 4: Fry the Cigars

1. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cigars, turning them until they are evenly golden and crispy.
2. Remove the cigars from the oil using tongs and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to drain.

Step 5: Make the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water. Add the lemon juice and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the syrup begins to thicken slightly.
2. Keep the syrup warm while you dip each fried cigar into it, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place each cigar back on the parchment paper.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Almond Cigars

• These Moroccan Fried Almond Cigars are best served warm or at room temperature.
• For an authentic touch, serve them alongside a pot of Moroccan mint tea. The sweetness of the cigars pairs perfectly with the refreshing tea.
• You can freeze unbaked cigars and fry them fresh when you have guests, ensuring a warm and delightful treat every time.

Why You’ll Love Fried Almond Cigars

These Fried Almond Cigars offer the perfect combination of crispy dough and sweet almond filling. The added syrup soaks into the cigars, giving them a delicate sweetness that makes them irresistible. If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern or Moroccan desserts, these cigars will quickly become a favorite on your dessert table.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Almond Cigars

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cigars ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Just fry them fresh when you need them!
• Adjust the Syrup: If you prefer a lighter syrup, you can reduce the sugar or add a little more lemon juice for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.

Fried Almond Cigars

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5 from 1 vote

Prep time: 40 minutes minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes minutes

Total time: 55 minutes minutes

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DESCRIPTION

Moroccan almond cigars are a sweet delicacy that go perfect with mint tea.

INGREDIENTS

 

For the almond paste:

• ▢ 18 oz blanched almonds ((or substitute almonds and sugar with almond paste "marzipan"))
• ▢ 12 oz sugar
• ▢ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1/2 tbsp orange blossom water (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• ▢ 1 egg (beaten)

For the dough:

• ▢ 1 cup oil
• ▢ 1 cup water (or dry white wine )
• ▢ 1/2 tsp baking powder
• ▢ 1 egg yolk
• ▢ 2 tbsp sugar
• ▢ 4 1/2 - 5 cups flour

For the syrup:

• ▢ 1 3/4 cups sugar
• ▢ 1 whole lemon juice
• ▢ 1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

 

To make almond filling:

• Grind together the blanched almonds and the sugar, fold in the beaten egg, the cinnamon and the vanilla and mix thoroughly. (You may substitute almond paste "marzipan" which is sold commercially).

To make dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, water (or white wine), egg, baking powder and sugar.
• Flour varies from brand to brand, so little by little, mix in the flour until you get a soft dough that is barely sticky.  Knead the dough for 5 minutes then wrap in plastic and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Remove the dough and fold it over like a huge cigar. Then cut it into 2" thick circles of dough.
  
• Dust the counter surface with flour and then roll each circle out with a rolling pin until paper-thin. Cut 4 inch-squares into it.  Scoop up 1 teaspoon of almond paste and shape it into a sausage shape and place it diagonally onto the square of dough and roll it up into a small cigar. Repeat until all the cigars are completed. 
• Add 1/2" oil in frying pan at medium heat. Fry the cigars, turning over until evenly golden in color. 
• Remove from oil with tongs and set them on parchment paper.  
  

To make syrup:

• In a saucepan at medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the water, add the lemon juice and cook the mixture slowly, stirring often, until it starts to thicken. Keep warm.
• Dip each cigar into the syrup, remove and replace on parchment paper. Repeat until all the cigars are done. Serve warm or cold. 

Notes

French: (CIGARES FRITS AUX AMANDES)

You can store them in the freezer unbaked and put them in the oven when guests knock on the door, so you can offer them something fresh, hot, and sweet.

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