If there is one scent that defines the arrival of the holy month in Morocco, it is the intoxicating aroma of toasted sesame, anise, and hot honey wafting through the streets. Welcome to The Seasoned Table, where today we tackle the most iconic of all Moroccan pastries: Chebakia (also known as Mkharka).
Chebakia is a masterful expression of Moroccan culinary geometry. These deep-fried, rose-shaped cookies are a cornerstone of the Ftour (Iftar) table, traditionally served alongside a steaming bowl of Harira soup. Its significance goes beyond flavor; the process of making Chebakia is a communal art form, often bringing together generations of women to fold hundreds of "flowers" in a single afternoon. This is a dessert that balances the crunch of a fried cookie with the silkiness of a honey glaze and the complexity of a spiced dough.
Chef’s Pre-Preparation Tip:
Chebakia dough is intentionally stiff. Do not be tempted to add excess water. A firm dough is the only way to achieve the intricate "flower" folds that hold their shape during frying. I recommend sifting your ground sesame and anise through a fine-mesh sieve; any large bits will tear the dough when you roll it thin.
1. Ingredients List
To ensure the perfect structural integrity of the "rose," please use the following measurements in grams.
The Spiced Dough
500g All-Purpose Flour (Plus extra for dusting).
100g Toasted Sesame Seeds (Ground into a very fine, oily paste).
50g Blanched Almonds (Ground into a fine flour).
100g Melted Butter (Clarified/Ghee is preferred).
50ml Vegetable Oil.
1 tbsp Ground Aniseed.
1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon.
1/2 tsp Saffron threads (Crushed and soaked in 2 tbsp Orange Blossom Water).
1 tsp Baking Powder.
1/4 tsp Salt.
1 tbsp Vinegar (The secret to a "melt-in-your-mouth" texture).
1 Egg Yolk.
Approx. 100ml Warm Water (Adjust carefully).
The Glaze & Garnish
1kg Pure Honey.
1 tbsp Orange Blossom Water.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (For sprinkling).
Vegetable Oil (For deep frying).
Substitutions & Effects
Vinegar: Essential for breaking down the gluten to create a tender, "short" texture. Do not skip it!
Almonds: You can omit these and increase the sesame to 150g for a more traditional, nut-free version.
Honey: For a more economical version, use a Honey-Syrup blend, but the "cling" and floral depth of pure honey are what make Chebakia legendary.
2. Professional Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: The Flavor Paste
In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground sesame, almond flour, aniseed, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, oil, egg yolk, vinegar, and the saffron-orange blossom infusion.
Step 2: The Knead
Gradually add the warm water while kneading vigorously.
Chef’s Technique: Knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth but very firm. Divide into 4 portions, wrap in plastic, and let rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 3: Rolling and Cutting
Roll the dough until it is about 2mm thick (use a pasta machine if available for perfect uniformity). Using a fluted pastry wheel (a jarrara), cut rectangles about 8cm x 10cm. Inside each rectangle, make 4 parallel cuts, leaving the edges intact, to create 5 strips.
Step 4: The Folding (The "Flower" Technique)
This is where the magic happens.
Thread your finger through the strips, picking up the 1st, 3rd, and 5th strips.
Pinch the bottom corners of the strips together.
Flip the dough inside-out over the pinched corners to form a rose-like shape.
Step 5: The Fry and Soak
Heat oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry the Chebakia in batches until they are a light golden brown (amber).
The Transition: Immediately lift the hot cookies from the oil and submerge them in a pot of warm honey. Let them soak for at least 5-10 minutes. The Chebakia should act like a sponge, drawing the honey into its spiced layers.
3. Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep & Kneading: 45 minutes.
Resting: 30 minutes.
Folding/Shaping: 60 minutes (depending on skill level).
Frying & Honey Bath: 45 minutes.
4. Visual Guide for Your Blog
Because Chebakia is so intricate, visual aids are vital for reader success.
The Final Touch
Chebakia is best eaten a day after it’s made, once the honey has settled into the dough. Store them in an airtight container where they will stay delicious for up to a month—if they last that long!

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