When I first moved to Morocco, I thought I knew everything about nut butters. Boy, was I wrong! Let me introduce you to amlou, a luxurious spread that makes peanut butter seem, well, a bit ordinary. Think of it as Morocco's answer to Nutella, but with a much more sophisticated flavor profile and impressive health benefits.
What Exactly is Amlou?
Amlou is a traditional Moroccan spread made from three simple ingredients: roasted almonds, pure argan oil, and honey. It originates from the Souss region in central Morocco, where both argan trees and almonds grow in abundance. The result? A silky-smooth, nutty paste that's both nutritious and absolutely delicious.
The Liquid Gold Connection
What makes amlou truly special is its key ingredient - argan oil. This "liquid gold" is exclusively produced in Morocco, making amlou a truly unique local delicacy. In the Souss region, particularly around Agadir and Taroudant, women's cooperatives still make amlou the traditional way, carefully roasting the almonds and slowly grinding them with argan oil until the perfect consistency is achieved.
Health Benefits That Will Surprise You
Let me share why I've become such an amlou evangelist:
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Packed with antioxidants
- Helps with digestion
- Supports heart health
- Contains essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium
- Natural mood enhancer
- May help protect against cancer (thanks to those powerful antioxidants)
Make Your Own Amlou at Home
Want to try making amlou yourself? Here's my tried-and-tested recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500g almonds
- 500ml culinary argan oil
- Natural honey (to taste)
Method:
- Lightly roast the almonds until fragrant
- Grind the almonds until they form a paste
- Gradually add the argan oil while continuing to mix
- Add honey to taste
- Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency
Pro tip: While some recipes suggest substituting argan oil with olive oil to cut costs, I'd encourage you to try it with real argan oil at least once. The unique flavor is truly worth it!
Where to Find the Best Amlou
If you're visiting Morocco, the best amlou can be found in women's cooperatives throughout the Souss region. These cooperatives not only produce the highest quality amlou but also support local women's economic independence.
Your Turn!
Have you tried amlou? What did you think? If you make it at home, I'd love to see your results! Drop a comment below or tag me in your amlou-making adventures on Instagram. And remember, like all good things in Morocco, amlou is best enjoyed with fresh bread and plenty of good conversation.