M’hanncha (The Snake)

May 17, 2023May 17, 20230 13

M'hanncha (The Snake) - A Traditional Moroccan Almond Pastry Recipe

by The Chefin Pastry

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

450

Sugar

15g

Fat

30g

M'hanncha (The Snake) is a traditional Moroccan pastry that is often served at special occasions and gatherings. It is made with phyllo pastry, which is layered with a mixture of chopped almonds, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The pastry is rolled up tightly into a long, narrow cylinder shape and then formed into a spiral. This pastry is sweet, nutty, and fragrant, making it a popular dessert or snack in Morocco. M'hanncha is also known as the snake because of its unique shape.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds, granulated sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
2.	Preheat your oven to 350°F.
3.	Place one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean work surface and brush it with a mixture of melted butter and ground cinnamon.
4.	Place a second sheet of phyllo pastry on top of the first sheet and brush it with the cinnamon butter mixture as well.
5.	Repeat this process, layering the remaining phyllo pastry sheets on top of each other and brushing each with the cinnamon butter mixture.
6.	Spread the almond mixture over the top of the layered phyllo pastry.
7.	Starting at one end, tightly roll the phyllo pastry up into a long, narrow cylinder shape.
8.	Form the cylinder into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath the pastry.
9.	Brush the top of the pastry with more melted butter and sprinkle with icing sugar.
10.	Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
11.	Serve warm with a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

PROS

M’hanncha is a delicious and crunchy almond pastry that has a beautiful spiral shape.

It is sweet, nutty, and fragrant, making it a perfect dessert or snack.

This pastry is relatively easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.

CONS

M’hanncha contains a lot of sugar and fat, which makes it a high-calorie dessert option.

It is not suitable for people with nut allergies, as it contains a large amount of almonds.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
They also contain a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.
Eating almonds may help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.

	6 ounces almonds , chopped
	3 ounces granulated sugar
	1 tablespoon butter , melted
	1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
	8 phyllo pastry
	2 teaspoons butter ( for frying )
	1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
	1 teaspoon icing sugar