Loz
Loz Recipe - Central African Republic, Chad
Introduction
Loz is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet treat that is perfect for serving with coffee or tea. These almond and pistachio filled balls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests.
History
Loz has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries for centuries, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. The combination of ground almonds, pistachio nuts, and orange-blossom water creates a delicious treat that is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) ground almonds
- 4 oz (113 g) icing sugar
- 4 – 6 tbsp orange blossom water
- 4 oz (113 g) pistachio nuts, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 oz (28 g) caster sugar
- 4 oz (113 g) extra icing sugar
- 4 oz (113 g) extra pistachio nuts, peeled
How to prepare
- Combine the finely chopped pistachio nuts and caster sugar, then set them aside.
- Combine the ground almonds and icing sugar with enough orange-blossom water to form a stiff paste.
- Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth, then allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
- Shape the paste into small balls the size of a walnut. Using a teaspoon handle, make a small hole in each ball and fill it with the combined pistachio nuts and caster sugar. Close the hole over the filling and reshape the ball into a round shape.
- Roll the balls in icing sugar and place them in small paper cups or on a serving plate.
- Decorate the top of each ball with a peeled pistachio nut.
- Serve the balls with coffee.
Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the almond mixture for a hint of spice.
- Substitute the pistachio nuts with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to finely chop the pistachio nuts for the filling to ensure a smooth texture.
- Allow the almond and icing sugar mixture to rest before shaping into balls to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use a teaspoon handle to create a small hole in each ball for the filling, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
- Decorate the top of each ball with a peeled pistachio nut for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Loz with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Cooking Techniques
Use a teaspoon handle to create a small hole in each ball for the filling.
- Roll the balls in icing sugar for a sweet finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute almond extract for the orange-blossom water if desired.
- Use powdered sugar instead of icing sugar for a slightly different texture.
Make Ahead Tips
Loz can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the Loz on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Loz with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of Turkish coffee for a perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Loz in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Loz contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Loz contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Loz contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Loz contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Loz is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Alergens
Loz contains almonds and pistachio nuts, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Loz is a delicious sweet treat that is relatively high in fats and calories, but also provides essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium.
Summary
Loz is a delightful Middle Eastern sweet treat that combines the flavors of almonds and pistachio nuts for a delicious and indulgent dessert. Serve with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Loz. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My grandmother had always been an incredible cook, and I was constantly in awe of the delicious meals she would prepare for our family. One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe books, I came across a faded piece of paper tucked away in the back of one of the pages. It was a hand-written recipe for a dessert called Loz.
Curious and eager to try something new, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled warmly and began to tell me the story behind it. She explained that she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a traditional dessert that was often made during special occasions and celebrations.
Excited to learn more about this mysterious dessert, I asked my grandmother to teach me how to make it. Together, we gathered the ingredients and began the process of creating Loz. The recipe called for a mix of ground almonds, sugar, and rose water, all blended together to form a smooth paste. We shaped the mixture into small balls and coated them in a dusting of powdered sugar.
As the Loz baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, we let them cool before taking our first bite. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before – a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness, with a hint of floral notes from the rose water.
From that day on, Loz became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. I would often make a batch to bring to potlucks and parties, where it never failed to impress everyone who tried it. The recipe had quickly become a favorite among my friends and family, and I was proud to have learned it from my grandmother.
Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for Loz, experimenting with different flavor variations and serving suggestions. I added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, and sometimes drizzled the balls with honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and our shared love for cooking and tradition.
Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find as much joy in making and sharing this dessert as I have. The process of creating Loz is not just about mixing ingredients together – it is about preserving a piece of our family history and honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
As I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Loz, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that it has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Categories
| Almond Meal Recipes | Central African Desserts | Central African Recipes | Chadian Desserts | Chadian Recipes | Orange Flower Water Recipes | Pistachio Recipes | Walnut Recipes |