Amlou almond butter is not just a spread, a condiment, a delicacy – it is a tradition from Morocco and a way to transport oneself across continents. A very special blend of argan oil, almonds and honey, amlou almond butter is a delicious spread to be savored by itself or in other dishes.
In an area with increasing desertification and few economic opportunities, the argan tree holds a promise of hope for a better future for the people of Morocco. Argan oil is extracted from the nuts of the argan fruit in a labor-intensive process (about 20 hours of work is needed to produce 1 litre of it!) that can only be completed by hand. The Berber women of rural Morocco have been extracting oil for centuries, but only since the late 1990’s have these women joined in cooperatives that allow them to thrive socially and economically from their work.
The Argan Project is a company that brings argan oil from female-run cooperatives directly to conscious consumers. In the process of creating community stability by empowering local women, cooperatives like The Argan Project are creating jobs and helping women transform their lives.
Members of the cooperative have said that by extracting argan oil, they are able to own their own houses, keep their men from migrating to cities to find work, provide health care for themselves and their children, and send their daughters to school. Since women in rural areas of Morocco are often illiterate, it is a step forward for these women to be able to provide for and propel their daughters towards an educated future.
Not only is the argan tree a resource for people, it provides a source of food for animals. For example, goats are able to scale the trees and eat the leaves and fruits. The argan tree is also great for the environment. Because it is drought resistant it is vital to combating the increasing boundary of the Sahara Desert because its deep roots stabilize soil and decrease erosion, a leading cause of desertification.
Amlou almond butter can be used in a variety of ways – use it as a spread on toast or crackers, add it to your cookie or bread recipes for a nutty addition, create an amlou almond butter sauce instead of using peanut butter, and blend into your smoothies or mix into your yogurt for a delicious and healthy breakfast. The Argan Project highly recommends amlou on warm buttermilk panckes with fresh fruit.
Here is a unique recipe for an original amlou sauce to be used on stir-fries, for dipping, or with noodles.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup Amlou Almond Butter
- ¼ cup water
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos
- 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar (or substitute other vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp agave, honey, or other sweetener
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Sprinkle of crush red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients together using a whisk or food processor. Use on top of rice or noodle dishes, with stir-fried vegetables, or as a dipping sauce with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.
Post by Barbara Lee.
Barbara is a world traveler who is passionate about sustainable food systems, responsible consumerism, and holistic living. Her professional background and interests include writing, cooking, non-profit work, eco-conservation.
