M'hencha

Name: M'hencha
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Algerian
Ingredients: 12 phyllo sheets; 1.5 cups ground almonds; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup confectioners sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 egg white; 1 tsp orange blossom water; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped; pinch salt

A spiral pastry filled with ground almonds, cinnamon, and butter, then baked until golden and drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pistachios.

55 minMediumServes 8185 cal/serving

AlgerianDessertOvenStandard

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Ingredients

12 phyllo sheets
1.5 cups ground almonds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg white
1 tsp orange blossom water
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
pinch salt

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups ground almonds, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, and pinch salt. Add 1 tsp orange blossom water and 1 egg white, stirring until the filling holds together when pressed.
2

Lay out one sheet of 12 phyllo sheets on a work surface and brush lightly with 1/2 cup melted butter. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the almond mixture along the bottom edge in a thin line, leaving 1 inch on each side.
3

Fold the sides of the 12 phyllo sheets sheet inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up into a long cylinder. Gently coil the cylinder into a tight spiral and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
4

Brush the completed spirals with remaining 1/2 cup melted butter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
5

While still warm, drizzle generously with 1/2 cup honey and sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely chopped shelled pistachios. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Questions

What is M'hencha?

A spiral pastry filled with ground almonds, cinnamon, and butter, then baked until golden and drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pistachios. This reference files it under Algerian dessert: made in the oven, rated medium and about 55 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for M'hencha?

As written, 55 minutes: 25 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (30 minutes): "Brush the completed spirals with remaining 1/2 cup melted butter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown."

What oven temperature does M'hencha need?

For M'hencha, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 30 minutes, in step 4.

What can I use instead of powdered sugar in M'hencha?

The entry for M'hencha calls for 1/4 cup confectioners sugar. In its place: Blend granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until fine.

Does M'hencha contain tree nuts?

Yes: 1.5 cups ground almonds and 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy, eggs and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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