Ingredients
– 1/2 kg (about 4 cups) flour, plus extra if needed
– 1 bowl (about 200 g or 7 oz) golden unhulled sesame seeds, toasted
– 1 teaspoon ground anise
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
– 1/4 teaspoon Moroccan yellow colorant
– Pinch of Gum Arabic grains mixed with 1/4 teaspoon sugar, crushed to powder
– 1 extra-large egg
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup orange flower water
– 2 teaspoons yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 1/2 kg (about 3 lbs) honey
– 2 tablespoons orange flower water for honey
– 1 1/2 liters vegetable oil for frying
– 1/2 cup golden unhulled sesame seeds, toasted for decoration
Instructions
1-First Step: Pick through sesame seeds to remove debris. Toast in a 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until crunchy and fragrant, then cool completely and store airtight.
2-Second Step: Grind one bowlful of toasted sesame seeds in a food processor until a moist powder forms. Mix this with flour and the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3-Third Step: Add the remaining ingredients and mix by hand until the dough forms. If needed, add extra flour to adjust the consistency. Knead by hand for 7 to 8 minutes or with a mixer dough hook for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth.
4-Fourth Step: Divide dough into four portions. Shape each into a smooth mound, then let rest in a plastic bag for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest makes rolling easier for your hands and helps the dough relax.
5-Fifth Step: Roll one portion to a thin, cardboard-like thickness on a floured surface if needed. Cut into palm-sized rectangles.
6-Sixth Step: Make four lengthwise cuts in each rectangle, leaving the edges intact so five strips remain attached. This cutting pattern is what creates the flower shape when you fold.
7-Seventh Step: Fold dough by threading the middle finger through alternating strips. Pinch outer corners together to form a flower center, then turn strips inside-out and seal opposite corners to create an elongated flower shape.
8-Eighth Step: Place folded pieces on baking sheets. Collect scraps, remold, and roll again. Cover trays with a towel until you are ready to fry.
9-Ninth Step: Heat one inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You want steady frying so Moroccan Chebakia browns slowly.
10-Tenth Step: Heat honey in a pot until frothy but not boiling. Add orange flower water, then remove from heat. Keep the honey hot so it soaks efficiently.
11-Eleventh Step: Fry chebakia in batches. Adjust heat to slowly brown cookies over about 10 minutes. Work in small batches so the oil temperature stays stable.
12-Twelfth Step: Transfer fried cookies directly to hot honey using a slotted spoon. Submerge and soak for 5 to 7 minutes until glossy amber. Soaking time affects texture and sweetness, so taste and adjust if you like them more crisp or more tender.
13-Final Step: Drain briefly, place cookies on a tray, and sprinkle centers with toasted sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining batches, then cool completely before storing.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ฐ Toast sesame seeds thoroughly in the oven for maximum nutty flavor that defines chebakia’s taste.
โฑ๏ธ Control soaking time in honey: shorter for crispier, less sweet cookies; longer for softer, sweeter ones.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Divide shaping tasks among family โ it’s time-consuming but makes for great bonding during Ramadan prep!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Resting & Soaking: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Deep Fried
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 cookies
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
