Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and its desserts are no exception. Among the most popular Moroccan desserts-chakra and maqrout, two sweet treats that are both unique and delicious.
Chakra, also known as cha’ariya or ghriba, is a traditional Moroccan cookie made with almonds, powdered sugar, and semolina flour. Once they are done, they are typically dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with sliced almonds. The recipe also available on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga .
Maqrout, on the other hand, is a sweet pastry made with semolina flour, dates, honey, and spices. The dough is typically shaped into small rectangles or diamonds and filled with a sweet date paste. The pastries are then fried until golden brown and drizzled with honey syrup.
Both chakra and maqrout have a rich history behind them, dating back to the Middle Ages when Arab and Andalusian influences were prominent in Moroccan cuisine. These desserts were often served during festive occasions and religious celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr and weddings.
How did chakra and maqrout come into existence?

Chakra and maqrout are two Moroccan desserts that have been enjoyed for centuries. These sweet treats have a rich history that dates back to the 8th century, when they were first created for special occasions like Ramadan and weddings. Moroccan women are said to have invented these desserts as a way to provide their husbands with a nutritious snack during long fasting hours.
Chakra is made from flour, sesame seeds, honey, rosewater, and spices like anise and cinnamon. It’s shaped into intricate flower-like shapes and deep-fried until golden brown. Maqrout, on the other hand, is made from semolina dough stuffed with dates or nuts, fried, and soaked in syrup flavored with orange blossom water.
Chakra and maqrout are now a staple of Moroccan cuisine and are consumed every day as snacks as well as on special occasions. Even beyond of Morocco, their appeal has grown, and they are now sold in many European bakeries. Visit https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga to learn how to create these two Moroccan treats. Due to their lengthy histories and delectable flavours, chakra and maqrout continue to be cherished traditions in Moroccan society.
How to make chakra ? : Watch https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga
To make chakra, you will need the following–
Ingredients:
2 cups of semolina flour
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of blanched almonds, chopped
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of baking powder
0.5 teaspoons of salt
a single teaspoon of vanilla flavouring
Method:
To prepare the dough, combine the semolina flour, powdered sugar, chopped almonds, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a large If you are interested in learning how to make chakra and maqrout at home, the following step-by-step guide can help:
For Chakra: Making Process on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sesame seeds, anise seeds, cinnamon, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water and mix until the dough forms.
- prepare the dough for several minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and shape each piece into a flower-like shape.
- Deep-fry the chakra until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, mix honey, rosewater, and water to make a syrup.
- Dip the chakra in the syrup and then place on a wire rack to cool.
To make maqrout, you will need the following –
Ingredients:
2 cups of semolina flour
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 cup of dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup of honey
Vegetable oil, for frying
For Maqrout: Making Process on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga
- In a mixing bowl, combine semolina flour, melted butter, and water to form a dough.
- prepare the dough until it comes into smooth texture.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and shape each piece into a long cylinder.
- Use your fingers to create a groove down the center of each cylinder.
- Stuff each groove with dates or nuts.
- Seal the dough around the filling and cut into diamond-shaped pieces.
- Deep-fry the maqrout until golden brown.
- In a separate saucepan, mix sugar, water, and orange blossom water to make a syrup.
- Dip the maqrout in the syrup and then place on a wire rack to cool.
Both chakra and maqrout are best served fresh and warm. Enjoy these delicious Moroccan desserts with a cup of mint tea for an authentic experience!
Are Chakra and maqrout Good or Bad for Health ?
Chakra and maqrout are both sweet treats that are enjoyed for their unique and delicious flavors. While they are not particularly known for their health benefits, they do contain some ingredients that can offer certain nutritional benefits which all are mentioned on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga.
Chakra, for example, contains almonds, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. Almonds are also known for their potential health benefits, such as improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and aiding in weight management.
Maqrout, on the other hand, contains dates, which are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. Dates are known for their potential health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing blood pressure, and boosting energy.
However, it is important to note that both chakra and maqrout are high in sugar and calories, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy diet. Additionally, individuals with nut allergies should avoid chakra, as it contains almonds, and those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid maqrout, as it contains semolina flour.
Final words
Maqrout and Chakra are two delectable and distinctive desserts from Morocco that have a deep cultural importance. With these easy-to-follow recipes on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga, you can make these sweet treats at home and enjoy a taste of Morocco.
FAQs about chakra and maqrout https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga:
Ans: Chakra and maqrout are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Ans: Yes, you can use any type of dried fruit as a filling for maqrout. Some popular options include figs, apricots, and raisins. You can get the option on https://youtu.be/0zdon4jl_ga.
Ans: Rosewater is a traditional ingredient in chakra, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute it with another flavoring such as orange blossom water.
Ans: No, chakra and maqrout are typically made with flour and semolina, both of which contain gluten. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available that can be used instead.
Ans: While it’s possible to bake chakra and maqrout, they will not have the same texture and flavor as the fried versions. Frying is the traditional and recommended method for preparing these desserts.