Pastitsia, are the Cypriot Almond coookies, also called amygdalota. They are made with almonds and meringue, similar to macaron but they are crunchy outside, soft inside and chewy.
These cookies used to be the traditional confection offered at engagements in Cyprus and weddings in many parts of Greece.
A couple of my readers have been asking me if I had a recipe for them. I have searched the internet but unfortunately I have not found anything regarding this recipe.
When I need a Cypriot recipe I always ask my sisters for help but this time it was impossible because this recipe has been kept a secret by the confectioners and no one makes them at home.
My sister asked a few of them if they would just tell her how to make them but they refused to reveal the ingredients.
I am working on the recipe and this is my first attempt to try and figure out how to make them. Unfortunately what you see in the picture is still by far not similar to pastitsia but it can be called an almond cookie.
I made them again, and again… and I think I am getting closer.
Now after my fourth attempt making them, I finally made it.
After many attempts making them, the last batch I made may lack in appearance but this time they tasted just right.
The following picture is store bought pastitsia and how they should look.
However, as you may see these need a special star shaped nozzle which I did not have at the time.
This recipe goes to Cinzia of Cindystar, for her event Baking under the Christmas Tree.
The recipe is included in My Cookbook Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste as well as in Volume 2 of my e-cookbook!.
Pastitsia or Amygdalota (Almond Cookies)
Pastitsia, are the Cypriot Almond coookies, also called amygdalota They are made with almonds and meringue, similar to macaron but they are crunchy outside, soft inside and chewy.
Ingredients
- 400 grams ground blanched almonds
- 200 grams icing sugar
- 3 tbsp fine semolina
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (optional)
- 4 - 5 mastic resins or substitute with ½ tsp vanilla essence
- 20 whole almonds
Instructions
- Blanch almonds, peel and leave them on kitchen paper for a few days to
dry Set aside 20 almonds and using a food processor or spice grinder add some icing sugar and mastic and powder them Place them in a bowl and mix in the semolina, remaining icing sugar and lemon zest. - Beat the egg whites with lemon juice and salt until they hold stiff peaks Remove the bowl from the mixer stand and gently fold in the almond-sugar mixture, using a spatula.
- Set the oven at 180o C / 350o F. Line a large baking tin 33 x 40 cm (13 x 15.75 inches) with parchment paper.
- With a pastry bag and star shaped tip, pipe the mixture onto the baking sheet forming them into round cookies, leaving enough space between them (3 cm - about an inch) as they will expand.
- Add an almond in the centre.
- Bake the cookies for 20- 25 minutes depending on your oven or until they
lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Yield 20 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 175Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 0mgSodium 144mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 11gProtein 5g
"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."
Other relevant recipes:
Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,
Ramos
Tuesday 22nd of December 2009
Hi Ivy, It is a good try indeed. I was also looking for the original recipe... You should have submitted this recipe for the Pastries for Peace event as it constitutes one of the very good examples of shared recipes by Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The latter calls it 'pastish' and serve them in Turkish Cypriot wedding parties. Also, not to mention that Rosa's 'mamoul' recipe is very popular in Cyprus too -which is an other option for wedding parties...
ivyliac
Tuesday 22nd of December 2009
Thans for leaving your comment Ramos. I am sure that Turkish Cypriots have incorporated many of Greek Cypriot recipes in their cuisine as we have done with yours. Mamoul have a similarity to Loukoumia tou Gamou but are quite different.
Peter
Monday 21st of December 2009
I love these. They are similar the the variety of Amygdalota called "Egolavous"...essentially almond macaroons.
Maria
Thursday 17th of December 2009
I love amygdalota so this crunchier almond cookie would be great! You've made some amazing things for Christmas Ivy ... kales giortes!
Lisa Henderson
Thursday 17th of December 2009
I am sure these cookies must taste great and they seem quite simple to make. Stunning photos.
Zoe
Thursday 17th of December 2009
Your photos are beautiful and so festive. I am amazed how you reacted and salvaged the cookies. I would have thrown it away but yet you have created a recipe worth making.