Qottab (almond fritters)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, rub the flour with the cold butter cut into cubes until you get a sandy texture.
2. Add the cold water and knead quickly to form a smooth dough. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling by mixing the almonds, icing sugar, cardamom, rose water and enough egg white to form a soft paste that holds its shape.
4. Roll the dough out thinly and cut out discs about 8 cm in diameter.
5. Place a small ball of filling in the centre of each disc, fold into a half-moon and seal the edges by pinching with a fork.
6. Heat the oil in a saucepan to about 170 °C.
7. Fry the qottab in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden.
8. Drain them on kitchen paper, dust with icing sugar and crushed pistachios, then let them cool before serving.