Amlou — Souss, Morocco

Amlou comes from where the argan tree grows: the Souss, between Essaouira, Agadir, and Taroudant. It is a thick, brown paste made of just three things: almonds, roasted then ground, edible argan oil pressed from roasted seeds, and honey. Some add a pinch of salt or cinnamon. Traditionally, the almonds are crushed on a stone mill until they release their oil; a food processor gets close to the same result. Amlou is served at breakfast, with bread and tea, and keeps for weeks in a sealed jar. It is not tied here to any one city: the whole region makes it.