Moroccan amlou recipe: an argan oil breakfast for glowing skin
Argan oil, almonds and honey: the traditional amlou recipe step by step, and why its ingredients are good for your skin from the inside.
By ICOLAN 4 min read
Amlou is one of the best-known recipes of the Souss region: a golden spread of argan oil, roasted almonds and honey, eaten on warm bread at breakfast or offered to guests with mint tea. Traditionally, the almonds are ground by hand on a stone mill; today a good blender does the job. It is delicious, and its ingredients are also rich in nutrients that support healthy skin from the inside.
At a glance
- Prep time15 minutes, plus 12 minutes roasting
- MakesOne small jar, about 300 g
- KeepsAbout 1 month, in a cool dark place
- Portion1 to 2 tablespoons a day
Why amlou is good for your skin
- Culinary argan oil and almonds provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from daily stress.
- Healthy fats: both are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which the body uses to build cell membranes, including those of the skin.
- Honey adds natural sweetness, so you do not need refined sugar.
- A balanced diet is the foundation of healthy skin, alongside good skincare and sun protection.
Ingredients (one small jar)
- 200 g blanched almonds
- 100 ml culinary argan oil (roasted, which is different from cosmetic argan oil)
- 3 tablespoons of honey, or to taste
- 1 small pinch of salt
How to make it
- Roast the almonds: spread them on a tray and roast at 180 °C for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway, until they are golden inside. Let them cool completely.
- Grind: blend the almonds in short bursts until they become a fine powder, then keep blending until they turn into a thick paste and start releasing their oil. This can take 3 to 5 minutes; stop to scrape the sides.
- Add the argan oil in a thin stream while blending, until the paste becomes smooth and pourable.
- Season: add the honey and salt, blend again, taste and adjust.
- Store: pour into a clean glass jar and close it.
Tip: if your blender struggles, let it rest for a minute between bursts so the motor does not overheat. A little extra argan oil also helps.
Traditional or blender: the difference
| Stone mill (traditional) | Blender | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Very smooth, almost liquid | Smooth to slightly grainy |
| Time | Long, done by hand | About 10 minutes |
| Taste | Deep, slightly smoky | Very close, especially with well-roasted almonds |
How to enjoy it
- On warm msemen, baghrir or wholegrain bread at breakfast.
- Stirred into plain yogurt with a few slices of banana.
- As a dip for apple slices or dates.
- With mint tea for guests, the traditional way.
How much should you eat?
Amlou is nourishing and rich in calories, so one or two tablespoons a day is a good portion. It keeps for about a month in a cool, dark place; the oil may rise to the top, so simply stir it before serving.
Allergies: amlou contains almonds and argan, which come from nuts and kernels. Avoid it if you have a nut allergy, and do not give honey to babies under one year old.
From the inside and the outside
Nutrition supports your skin from the inside, and night care completes the work from the outside. The same argan tree gives two oils: the roasted culinary oil for amlou, and the unroasted cosmetic oil for your face. Read our guide to argan oil for the face, and discover RENOVA night cream with cosmetic argan oil and retinol.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use cosmetic argan oil for amlou?
No. Cosmetic oil is unroasted and has a very mild taste. Amlou needs roasted culinary argan oil for its typical flavour.
Can I make amlou without argan oil?
You can use a mild oil instead, but it will no longer be traditional amlou. Some families also add peanuts to stretch the almonds.
Why did my amlou separate?
That is normal. Natural nut butters separate over time. Stir before serving.
Will eating amlou improve my skin?
It is part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports healthy skin, but no single food changes the skin on its own. Combine good nutrition with sunscreen and a consistent routine.
