Let me take you on a tour of the whitewashed, sun-drenched streets at the heart of a picturesque little village in Greece. You stroll along, dazzled by the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea on the horizon. The air is filled with the enchanting aromas of traditional Greek cuisine. Laughter and lively conversation invite you to join in with the warm and welcoming locals. You find yourself drawn to a house with blue shutters, its entrance adorned with colourful flowers. The delicate scents of vanilla and almond tickle your nostrils as you cross the threshold. You are greeted with an unexpected and irresistible treat – Kourabiedes, those famous little Greek biscuits.
A sweet Greek cookie delight
Kourabiedes are a variation on traditional biscuits, with ingredients typical of Greek cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 250 g soft butter
- 125 g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cognac (optional)
- 375 g flour
- 100 g blanched almonds, chopped
- Icing sugar for decoration
Preparation :
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- In a large bowl, beat the soft butter and icing sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and cognac (if using) and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour while continuing to mix. Mix until you obtain a soft dough.
- Add the chopped almonds to the dough and mix well to distribute them evenly.
- Take small quantities of dough and shape into golf-ball sized balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the Kourabiedes for around 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the underside but still white on top.
- Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle the cooled Kourabiedes generously with icing sugar, coating them completely.
- Leave the Kourabiedes to stand for at least 1 hour to absorb the icing sugar and develop their characteristic flavour.
- Once they have cooled completely, dust them again with icing sugar before serving.
These Greek-style biscuits are a delicious blend of traditional Greek flavours, with the sweetness of almonds, the crunch of walnuts and the distinct flavour of sesame seeds. They’re perfect with coffee or tea.
Nutritional details
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one portion of Kourabiedes (about 1 biscuit):
- Calories: 100-150 kcal
- Fat: 8-10 g
- Carbohydrates: 7-10 g
- Protein: 1-2 g
- Sugar: 4-6 g
- Fibre: 0-1 g
Please note that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and variations in portions. Kourabiedes are dessert biscuits high in butter and sugar, so we recommend that you eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Find out more about Greek cuisine
Greek cuisine is rich in flavour and fresh ingredients. It is characterised by the use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, grilled meats and fresh cheeses. Spices and herbs such as oregano, thyme and rosemary are also widely used to give dishes a unique flavour. Greek cuisine is also renowned for its mézés, small-portion dishes that can be served as a starter or as a side dish. Greek cuisine is also famous for pasta dishes such as moussakas and dolmades, as well as rice-based dishes such as paella.
