Traditional Amlou: what are its ingredients?
Traditional Amlou is a Moroccan specialty prepared with three ingredients: almonds, culinary argan oil, and honey. This short ingredient list gives it a smooth texture, an intense dried fruit flavor, and a naturally fragrant sweetness.
At Amlou & Joy, our traditional recipe contains precisely 65% almonds, 20% culinary argan oil, and 15% orange blossom honey. Let's explore the role of each ingredient and what makes this Moroccan spread unique.
What are the three ingredients of traditional Amlou?
The Amlou recipe varies slightly depending on families, regions, and the desired texture. However, its traditional base relies on the combination of almonds, culinary argan oil, and honey. None of these ingredients are merely decorative: each directly contributes to the taste, consistency, and identity of the product.
If you'd like to learn about its history first, our guide "What is Amlou?" presents the origin and tradition of this Moroccan specialty.
Almonds: The base of the recipe
Almonds are the main ingredient in Amlou & Joy Traditional Amlou, making up 65%. They are processed until a paste is obtained, which gives body to the preparation and its characteristic dried fruit taste.
Their proportion plays an essential role in the final result. A recipe rich in almonds develops a more intense flavor and a generous texture. Roasting also contributes to the aromatic profile: it reveals deeper, more gourmet notes before grinding.
Once ground, almonds naturally release their oils and form a creamy base. This allows for a spread that remains dense yet easy to spread after mixing.
Culinary argan oil: The emblematic ingredient
Culinary argan oil makes up 20% of our traditional recipe. It should not be confused with cosmetic argan oil: only oil intended for consumption should be used in Amlou.
Its slightly roasted taste naturally complements that of almonds. It also helps to soften the paste and create the fluid, shiny texture characteristic of Amlou. Depending on the temperature and resting time, some of the oil may rise to the surface of the jar. This phenomenon is natural: simply stir the preparation gently with a clean spoon before serving.
In the tradition of southern Morocco, the combination of almond and argan oil is at the heart of Amlou's identity. It gives it a very different character from spreads made with cocoa or other vegetable oils.
Orange blossom honey: A fragrant sweetness
The third ingredient is orange blossom honey, present at 15%. It provides a measured sweetness and a floral note that complements the aromas of roasted almonds and culinary argan oil.
Honey also contributes to the overall texture. Its proportion must remain balanced so that Amlou retains the taste of almonds without becoming excessively sweet. Orange blossom honey is chosen for its delicate fragrance, which is particularly harmonious with dried fruit flavors.
A short recipe, without superfluous ingredients
Traditional Amlou is primarily recognized by the simplicity of its composition. The Amlou & Joy recipe relies solely on these three ingredients and contains no additives or preservatives. This short list allows each flavor to remain identifiable during tasting.
It is nevertheless important to read a product's label, as recipes marketed under the name Amlou are not all identical. Some may contain more honey, use a different oil, or combine almonds with other dried fruits. The name alone does not, therefore, provide the exact composition.
Why can Amlou's texture change slightly?
The texture of a natural preparation can vary with temperature. When cool, Amlou may become denser. In a warmer room, it may appear more fluid. A slight separation of oil is also possible when at rest.
These variations do not alter the recipe. Simply mix the contents of the jar before each tasting to restore a consistent texture. To learn how to pair it, also consult our article "How to eat Amlou? 10 ideas for tasting it."
Traditional Amlou and other recipes
Traditional Amlou highlights the balance between almonds, culinary argan oil, and orange blossom honey. Other recipes may offer a different experience. A version without honey will give more prominence to the almond taste, while a chocolate recipe will add a cocoa note. Peanut and sesame Amlou, on the other hand, offers a more intense and distinct profile.
These variations do not replace the traditional recipe: they allow you to discover Amlou in various forms, depending on tastes and tasting moments.
Discover Amlou & Joy Traditional Amlou
Our Traditional Almond Amlou is prepared in Morocco with 65% almonds, 20% culinary argan oil, and 15% orange blossom honey. It can be enjoyed on bread, msemen, baghrirs, crêpes, or simply by the spoonful.
You can also browse our collection of Moroccan Amlou and spreads to compare the different Amlou & Joy recipes.