
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.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Ingredients
- Flour
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Ground almonds
- Sugar
- Oil
- Melted butter
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
What is the secret to perfecting this classic?
Start by gathering your ingredients. The magic always begins with patience and the right spices.
Mix the dry ingredients then rub in the oil and butter until a crumbly dough forms.
Squeeze the dough into tight balls.
Bake in a hot oven initially placing the tray near the top heat to force the cookies to crack.
Cool completely before moving as they are very fragile.
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.
Pair It With

Trust us, have a glass with this. It cuts the richness perfectly.
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

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.

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.

Meskouta (Authentic Moroccan Orange Cake)
Welcome to my table! Meskouta is the quintessential Moroccan orange cake served for afternoon tea and family gatherings. Fragrant with fresh orange juice, citrus zest, and baked in a traditional bundt ring pan lined with toasted sesame seeds, this classic cake is naturally dairy-free (made without milk or yogurt) and yields an exceptionally tender, fluffy crumb every single time.

Sweet Vermicelli
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. Delicate steamed vermicelli (or couscous) served with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. 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.