Bradj

Name: Bradj
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Algérie
Ingredients: 500 g medium durum wheat semolina; 160 g unsalted butter; 150 ml water; 20 ml food-grade orange blossom water; 350 g pitted date paste; 2 g ground cinnamon; 2 g salt

Bradj, or mbradj, are semolina cakes filled with dates. They are not dipped in syrup after cooking.

Ingredients

500 g medium durum wheat semolina
160 g unsalted butter
150 ml water
20 ml food-grade orange blossom water
350 g pitted date paste
2 g ground cinnamon
2 g salt

Preparation

Mix semolina and salt. Incorporate the melted butter and rub between your hands to coat the grains. Let rest for 20 minutes.

Soften the date paste with cinnamon. Add water and orange blossom water to the semolina, without kneading for long.

Divide the semolina into two. Roll out a first layer, cover with a regular layer of dates, then add the second layer of semolina.

Flatten to about 1.5 cm and cut sixteen diamonds with a straight knife, without pulling the layers.

Cook on a thick pan over low to moderate heat, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until evenly colored and the semolina is cooked. Let cool slightly before moving the pieces.