Makroud

Method

1. 1 Mix the semolina with melted butter and let it rest for 1 hour so that the semolina grains absorb the butter and swell.
2. 2 Remove the pits from the dates and then grind them with cinnamon and orange blossom water to form a pliable paste.
3. 3 Mix the semolina with warm water until it forms a sticky dough, then roll it into a strip, place the filling in the center, and fold it closed.
4. 4 Make diagonal cuts on the strip and then cut diagonally into a diamond shape.
5. 5 Baking at 170 degrees for 25 minutes instead of deep-frying is the difference between the Constantine style and the fried version.
6. 6 Dip the warm cakes into the lemon-infused sugar syrup for 5 minutes, then drain and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 1 hr 30 min

  Replace step 5: steam in a hot air oven at 165 degrees for 16 minutes, arrange in a thin layer; the cakes set quickly so dip them in the sugar syrup while it's still warm.