Sweet Marqa (also called “El Hlou” by some) is one of the most famous traditional Algerian dishes, prepared especially for special occasions, holidays, and Ramadan nights. This dish combines the rich flavor of meat with the sweetness of raisins, cinnamon, and saffron, offering a unique blend of savory and sweet that defines Algerian cuisine.

In this article, we present a complete recipe for Algerian Sweet Marqa, including the ingredients and preparation steps, as well as the calorie content and nutritional values, along with notes from a nutritionist on how to make this dish more balanced.

About Sweet Marqa

Sweet Marqa is usually prepared with tender beef cubes, along with a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes (dried plums), seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, and flavored with orange blossom water, which gives it a distinctive aromatic scent. It is often served with kesra (traditional bread) or regular bread, or as a side dish at weddings and major celebrations.

Calories in Algerian Sweet Marqa

Sweet Marqa is a calorie-rich dish, due to its meat content, the large amount of sugar (17 tablespoons), and the dried fruits, which are naturally concentrated in sugars. The calorie count per serving (approximately 250-300 grams) ranges between:

• 500 to 600 calories per serving, depending on the amount of meat and dried fruit distributed in each plate.

This number may increase or decrease depending on:

• The actual amount of sugar added (17 tablespoons is a relatively large quantity)
• The amount of dried fruit (raisins, apricots, prunes) per serving
• The ratio of meat to sauce in the served dish

Ingredients for Algerian Sweet Marqa

Serves 6-8:

Meat:

• Beef cubes (about 5 cm)

Fats:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Orange Blossom Water:

• 1/2 cup (about 50 ml) orange blossom water + 1 additional cup

Dried Fruits:

• 250 g dried raisins or a handful
• 250 g dried apricots or a handful
• 250 g dried prunes (plums) or a handful

Sugar:

• 17 tablespoons sugar (2 + 15)

Water:

• As needed (approximately 1 liter)

Steps to Prepare Algerian Sweet Marqa

⏱️ Preparation time: half an hour

Step One Heat the oil and ghee in a pot, add the meat, spices, and 1/2 cup of orange blossom water, and stir briefly only, since the meat should not be fried too much or it will become tough.

Step Two Add the water all at once, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10 minutes.

Step Three Remove the meat, then add the dried fruits after cleaning them and soaking them in water for 10 minutes.

Step Four Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 minutes.

Step Five After opening, add 15 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of orange blossom water, cover again for another 10 minutes.

Step Six Open the pot and let it cook until the excess water evaporates, then return the meat to the pot when turning off the heat.

Nutritionist’s Notes

From a nutritional standpoint, Sweet Marqa is an energy-dense dish, so the following points are worth keeping in mind:

• Relatively high sugar content: The recipe contains 17 tablespoons of sugar, a considerable amount that can be gradually reduced (for example, by half) without significantly affecting the taste, especially since the dried fruits (raisins, apricots, prunes) already provide rich natural sweetness.
• Dried fruits are a concentrated source of sugar: Despite their nutritional benefits (fiber, potassium, antioxidants), dried fruits are more sugar-concentrated than fresh fruits, so it’s best not to overdo the amount consumed per serving.
• Choosing the right cut of meat: Using beef (which is relatively lean) is a good choice; visible fat can also be trimmed before cooking to reduce additional calories.
• Portion size: Given the dish’s richness in sugar and calories, it’s preferable to enjoy it in a moderate portion (200-250 grams), paired with a green salad or cooked vegetables for a better nutritional balance.
• Suited for special occasions: It’s best not to consume this dish daily given its sugar and calorie density; it’s better reserved for special occasions or served in moderate amounts.
• People with diabetes: Extra caution is advised with this dish due to the combined high sugar content, both added and from the dried fruits; sugar can be reduced to the minimum possible, relying on the natural sweetness of the fruits instead.

Calories and Nutritional Values per Serving (approximately 250 g)

Nutrient	Approximate Amount
Calories	500-580 kcal
Protein	20-24 g
Fat	18-22 g
Carbohydrates	55-65 g
Sugars	40-48 g
Fiber	4-5 g
Sodium	200-300 mg

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the type of meat used, the amount of sugar and oil, and the exact preparation method.

Conclusion

Algerian Sweet Marqa is a traditional dish rich in flavor and family memories, combining savory and sweet in an exceptional way. Despite its calorie density, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially on the special occasions this authentic dish truly deserves.