Ghoriba Bahla (Cracked Shortbread)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie studded with toasted sesame and almonds, famous for its cracked surface. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Ground almonds
- Sugar
- Oil
- Melted butter
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
What is the secret to perfecting this classic?
Start the base
Start by gathering your ingredients. The magic always begins with patience and the right spices.
Add the spices
Mix the dry ingredients
Cook to perfection
then rub in the oil and butter until a crumbly dough forms.
Cook to perfection
Squeeze the dough into tight balls.
Cook to perfection
Bake in a hot oven
Cook to perfection
initially placing the tray near the top heat to force the cookies to crack.
Cook to perfection
Cool completely before moving
Cook to perfection
as they are very fragile.
Cook to perfection
Serve immediately in the center of the table. In Morocco, we never eat alone—Karam (hospitality) demands we share!
One Tip That Actually Matters
Toast your whole spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before you grind them. It opens them up. The difference in flavor is not subtle.
Medina Kitchen Experts
Authentic recipe sourced and verified by our local culinary experts. Deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage and family traditions.
What People Are Saying - Ghoriba Bahla (Cracked Shortbread)
No comments yet. Be the first — we'd love to hear from you.
About This Recipe
This dish is a labor of love, but honestly, that's the secret. The slow simmer is what makes everything tender and lets those spices really sing. Take your time with it—it's worth every minute.
Pair It With
Trust us, have a glass with this. It cuts the richness perfectly.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Tags
Want More Moroccan Recipes?
Get Them in Your Inbox.
We send out real recipes, honest food stories, and tips you won't find anywhere else. No spam.
Recommended For You
Cracked Cookies
Welcome to my table! Shortbread-like cookies with a distinctive cracked surface, flavored with almonds or walnuts. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Fekkas (Moroccan Biscotti)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. Twice-baked, crunchy cookies studded with whole almonds, raisins, and sesame seeds. Perfect for dipping in tea. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Coconut and Semolina Ghoriba
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. Chewy, moist, and incredibly fragrant cookies made from desiccated coconut and fine semolina, heavily dusted with icing sugar. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Almond Sellou
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A particularly rich version of Sellou where the proportion of roasted almonds is significantly increased, making it more of an almond paste. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.