Sellou (Sfouf)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour(You can also use a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for added nuttiness.)
• 200 g Whole almonds(Blanched or unblanched, depending on your preference for texture.)
• 100 g Sesame seeds(White sesame seeds are traditional, but you can use a mix of white and black for visual appeal.)
• 150 g Unsalted butter(High-quality butter will enhance the flavor.)
• 150 g Honey(Use a good quality, liquid honey. Adjust sweetness to taste.)
• 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon(Freshly ground cinnamon is recommended for best flavor.)
• 1 tsp Anise seeds (optional)(For a subtle licorice note, lightly toast and grind with sesame seeds.)
• 1 tbsp Orange blossom water (optional)(Adds a fragrant floral aroma.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the flour evenly on a large baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes, until it turns a light golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.

   ⏱️ 25 minutes
2. 2

   While the flour cools, prepare the nuts and seeds. Spread the almonds on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven (you can do this after removing the flour, or at the same time if your oven is large enough) for about 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Spread the sesame seeds on another baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch closely as they can burn quickly. Let them cool completely.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
3. 3

   Once cooled, process the toasted almonds in a food processor until they form a coarse meal or a slightly paste-like consistency, depending on your preference. In a large bowl, combine the cooled toasted flour, ground almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. If using anise seeds, toast them lightly, grind them, and add them here. Add the ground cinnamon.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
4. 4

   In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Do not let it brown. Once melted, remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and optional orange blossom water until well combined and smooth.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Pour the butter-honey mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until everything is evenly incorporated and a thick, cohesive paste forms. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Transfer the Sellou mixture to a serving dish or individual portions. You can press it firmly into a dish and cut it into squares or diamonds, or shape it into small balls. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For a smoother texture, you can process the toasted sesame seeds along with the almonds.
• ✓Adjust the amount of honey and butter to achieve your desired consistency and sweetness.
• ✓Sellou can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• ✓This is an excellent make-ahead dish for gatherings or busy periods.

🔄 Variations

• Add other toasted nuts like walnuts or pistachios for a more complex flavor and texture.
• Incorporate ground anise or fennel seeds for a distinct aromatic profile.
• For a richer taste, some recipes include a small amount of argan oil.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving