Another Eid treat we make is called Samsa. These are flio pastry triangles filled with blended almonds, flower water and then covered with seasame seeds.
They are delicious with a cup of tea! And you could say healthy as they are filled with almonds ;-)
INGREDIENTS
2⁄3 cup sugar
1 1⁄4 cups water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon orange flower water
1 1⁄2 cups blanched almonds, lightly toasted and ground
1 1⁄2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 ounces filo pastry
2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
lightly toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling.
DIRECTIONS
Put the water and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
Add the lemon juice and boil until syrupy.
Remove from the heat and add the orange-flower water.
Leave to cool.
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Blend the ground almonds, orange peel, and cinnamon,and the remaining sugar. Blend together these ingredients.
Have the filo pastry ready, stacked under a damp cloth.
Brush one sheet of filo with olive oil.
Cut the oiled sheet into 3 lengthwise strips. Place a small spoonful of filling at the bottom of each strip.
Fold the sides of the filo strips over the filling, then roll the pastry up along the length.
Brush inside the end of the pastry with oil and seal it to the roll. Brush with oil and put on a baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling.
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, until crisp and golden. It will be very flaky.
Lower the pastries a few at a time into the hot syrup, letting them soak in the syrup for about 3 minutes.
Remove to a plate and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Leave until cold before serving.
Xo