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Join on Telegram Amlou is not truly Amlou without the inclusion of one of its key ingredients: argan, also known as Morocco’s golden or miracle oil, that comes from the argan tree, endemic to the country’s southwest region.
Amlou is a mixture of finely ground roasted almonds, argan oil, and honey.
The mixture is considered a healthy dip and can be also used as a spread.
Many like to spread this Moroccan delicacy on their bread, “msemn,” or “baghrir” with a thick layer for a savory flavor that can not only boost your energy but also keep you full for several hours.
The preparation process to craft the thick and savory liquid should not exceed 25 minutes if you have all ingredients at home.
How to make Amlou
To makeAmlou at home, you will need two cups of almonds with skin, a half cup of argan oil, three to four tablespoons of honey, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
First, wash your almonds, then let them set and dry in the sun. It is best to do this a day earlier so the almonds are ready the next day for the process.
Now that the almonds are ready, spread the almonds on a baking pan and let them roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they become crunchy.
It is important to not roast them too long, to keep them from getting burnt.
Next, once the almonds are cool, grind them up using a food processor. Make sure that they are finely ground.
Now moving on to the most important ingredient that brings it all together; argan oil. Add the desired amount, then gradually blend the argan oil with the almond paste with your hand or a spoon.
For the final touch, warm the honey a little bit and add it with both the sugar and salt.
It is now time to enjoy! Often served in the morning breakfast (ftour) and afternoon “kaskrout” tea time, Amlou can be enjoyed either for dipping or as a spread.
Argan at the center
Amid the process of preparing this Moroccan favorite, with argan as the key ingredient, it is important not to overlook the contributions of those who work tirelessly in the industry to extract and process the oil from the bounty of the argan trees.
Morocco is joining the world today, May 10, in celebrating the International Day of Argania.
In 2021, the UN designated the date as a celebration for the iconic Argan trees, which have lived for centuries in Morocco, withstanding the test of time through harsh climate challenges.
The celebration serves as a recognition of the need to safeguard and preserve argan, which is one of Morocco’s most cherished natural resources.
The North African country has frequently emphasized the importance of safeguarding this cultural heritage.
In 2010, Morocco launched the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA).
The establishment of the agency came as part of a royal vision with instructions to ensure sustainable development programs to preserve the natural resources across the country.
ANDZOA’s goal and mission is to foster sustainable development within its action regions, labeled as the argan and oasis zones.
In addition to its role in helping safeguard the cultural heritage, ANDZOA also contributes to the socio-economic landscape through women empowerment as well as with projects seeking to improve the living standard of local communities.
ANDZOA is currently heading up an international argan exhibition that is taking place from May 8-12 in Agadir.
In addition to spreading awareness about preserving argan trees, the event contributes to helping local cooperatives showcase their argan products and their use in various sectors, including in health and beauty.
