Amlou (Moroccan Almond, Argan and Honey Spread)
Local name: أملو
In short: A silky Moroccan spread of toasted almonds, nutty oil and honey, blended until smooth and eaten with warm bread at breakfast. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 210 kcal
Amlou is the Moroccan answer to nut butter, a thick, drippy mix of ground toasted almonds, argan oil and honey. It comes from the Souss region of the south, where argan trees grow, and it appears on breakfast tables across the country with bread, msemen or baghrir. The flavor is toasty, sweet and slightly earthy. Argan oil makes it distinctive, but a good nut oil gives a close result if you cannot find it.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Spread the almonds on a baking tray and toast for 10 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and a shade darker. Cool completely.
- Grind the almonds in a food processor for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides, until they turn into a smooth, loose paste.
- With the machine running, pour in the oil in a slow stream, then add the honey and salt. Process for 1 minute more, until glossy and pourable.
- Taste and add more honey if you like, then spoon the amlou into a clean jar.
Tips
- Culinary argan oil is sold toasted. If you cannot find it, use toasted almond oil or a mild hazelnut oil, and never use cosmetic argan oil.
- The spread thickens in the fridge, so let it come to room temperature and stir well before serving. For a crunchier version, stir in 2 tbsp of finely chopped toasted almonds.
Questions and answers
How do I serve amlou?
Spread it on warm bread, msemen or baghrir, or scoop it up with a piece of flatbread. In Morocco it is a breakfast and tea-time treat, often with mint tea.
How long does amlou keep?
Stored in a clean jar in the fridge, it keeps for about 3 weeks. The oil may separate, so stir it before using.
Is amlou the same as almond butter?
It is similar but richer and sweeter. Amlou is thinner and more drippy because of the added argan oil and honey, with a toasted, earthy flavor.
How long does it take to make Amlou (Moroccan Almond, Argan and Honey Spread)?
About 20 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Amlou (Moroccan Almond, Argan and Honey Spread)?
About 210 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 210 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
