Griwech (Algerian Twisted Honey Pastries)
Local name: قريوش
In short: Thin ribbons of orange blossom dough tied into knots, fried until crisp, dipped in warm honey and sprinkled with sesame, an Algerian festive sweet. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 45 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 315 kcal
Griwech are crisp fried pastries made from a thin, lightly sweet dough that is cut into strips and tied into knots. After frying they are dipped in warm honey and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. Algerian families make big trays for Eid and Ramadan, and they keep for weeks in a tin. They are crunchy and honey-sticky, with a light scent of orange blossom water.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the egg, oil and orange blossom water and rub them in with your fingertips. Add the water gradually and knead for 8 minutes into a smooth, firm dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each out very thin, about 1 to 2 mm (1/16 in), on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into strips 2 cm (3/4 in) wide and 15 cm (6 in) long. Tie each strip into a loose knot and set it on a floured tray, covered with a cloth.
- Heat the frying oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry the knots in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until light golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
- Warm the honey and water in a wide pan over low heat until fluid. Do not let it boil.
- Dip each pastry in the honey for about 20 seconds, lift it out and set it on a rack. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and let them set.
Tips
- Roll the dough very thin. Thick dough makes hard, heavy pastries that never get crisp.
- Keep the honey warm, not hot. Boiling honey turns bitter and soaks into the pastry too fast, making it soggy. Dip a few at a time.
Questions and answers
How long do griwech keep?
In an airtight tin at room temperature they keep for up to 3 weeks.
Can I bake griwech instead of frying?
Yes. Bake the knots at 180°C (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes until pale golden, then dip in honey. They will be paler and drier than fried ones.
What can I use instead of orange blossom water?
Rose water, or 1 tsp vanilla extract with a little grated orange zest, will also work.
How long does it take to make Griwech (Algerian Twisted Honey Pastries)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 45 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Griwech (Algerian Twisted Honey Pastries)?
About 315 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 315 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
