Imqaret ( Maltese Deep Fried Date Pastries)

May 15, 2023May 15, 20230 3

Imqaret (Maltese Deep Fried Date Pastries)

by The Chefin Pastry

Prep

30 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

275

Sugar

20g

Fat

12g

Imqaret is a traditional Maltese pastry filled with sweet, chopped dates and warm spices. This deep-fried pastry is often served during festivals and special occasions in Malta, and is enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It has a flaky and crisp exterior, with a soft and sweet interior that will melt in your mouth. The combination of dates, tangerine zest, black pepper and sambuca create a unique and flavorful pastry that is not too sweet or overwhelming. The Imqaret pastry is a delicious treat that brings the taste of Malta to your home.

Instructions

1.	In a bowl, mix the chopped dates, tangerine zest, tangerine juice, sambuca and icing sugar.
2.	Add the black pepper (optional).
3.	Knead the flour with olive oil and a pinch of salt until you have a dough (you can use a mixer for this step).
4.	Roll out the dough into a long rectangle and place the date mixture inside it, then fold it over and press the edges together to seal the dough.
5.	Cut the pastry into small rectangular shapes.
6.	Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat, then add the pastry slices and fry until golden brown on both sides.
7.	Remove from the frying pan and place onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Serve warm.

PROS

Imqaret is a sweet and indulgent pastry with a unique flavor.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family as a dessert or snack.

The deep-fried goodness of this pastry makes it satisfying and filling.

CONS

This pastry is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

The deep-frying cooking process makes it less healthy since it adds extra calories and fat.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Dates are known for their high fiber and nutrient content, making them a great food for digestion and energy.
Black pepper and tangerine zest add vitamins and antioxidants to the dish, which support overall health.

	250 g pitted dates , chopped
	1 tangerine , zest and juice
	2 tablespoons sambuca romana
	2 tablespoons icing sugar
	1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( optional )
	250 g plain flour
	50 ml olive oil ( or 75g margarine )