A spectacular coiled pastry of thin phyllo wrapped around a fragrant almond-cinnamon filling, baked until golden and finished with orange blossom syrup. Its spiral shape resembles a coiled snake, giving it its name.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: round platter
Garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, powdered sugar
Accompaniments: mint tea
Instructions
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1
Combine ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons orange blossom water in a bowl. Mix until a firm paste forms that can be rolled into ropes. Divide into 4 equal portions.
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2
Roll each portion of almond paste into a long, thin rope about 60cm long and 1.5cm in diameter. If the paste is too crumbly, add a few drops of orange blossom water.
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3
Lay 2 sheets of phyllo on your work surface, one on top of the other, brushing butter between them. Place one almond rope along the long edge of the phyllo. Roll the phyllo tightly around the almond paste to create a long, thin filled tube.
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4
Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and almond ropes to create 4 filled tubes total. Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel throughout the process.
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5
Grease a round baking pan. Take one filled tube and coil it tightly in the center of the pan, starting the spiral. Attach the end of the next tube and continue the coil outward. Repeat until all tubes form one large spiral.
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6
Brush the entire surface with egg yolk wash. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until the phyllo is deeply golden and crispy. The coil should hold its shape firmly.
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7
Warm the honey with orange blossom water. Remove the baked m'hancha from the oven and immediately drizzle the honey syrup over the hot pastry. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Let cool before slicing into wedges to serve.
Did You Know?
M'hancha means 'the snake' in Arabic, referring to its distinctive coiled shape. Despite the name, the pastry is considered a symbol of elegance and is the centerpiece of Algerian celebration dessert tables.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- round baking pan
- pastry brush
- food processor
Garnishing
toasted sesame seeds, powdered sugar
Accompaniments
mint tea
The Story Behind M'hancha
M'hancha is one of North Africa's most visually impressive pastries, combining the Ottoman phyllo tradition with Algerian almond and orange blossom flavors.
The pastry's dramatic coiled shape makes it a natural centerpiece for celebration tables, and it is often the most photographed dish at Algerian weddings and Eid gatherings.
Today m'hancha is considered a test of skill for Algerian pastry makers, with the tightest, most uniform coils and the thinnest phyllo wrapping earning the highest praise.
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