Kavala Almond Cookies – Keto Version

Almond cookies are so typically Greek that if you search for a recipe online, most probably you’ll end up with one or another Greek version. In fact, these crunchy, chewy, delicious and simple cookies will win your heart. Since almonds are present in Greek tradition from ancient times, this is only natural. However, the capital of Greek almond cookies is the north-eastern city of Kavala.

Have you ever visited Kavala?

Kavala is the capital city of the prefecture with the same name and the second-largest city in northern Greece (after Thessaloniki). Specifically, It was founded in the 6th century BC. At that time, it was called Neapolis, meaning New city. Kavala is located right across the town of Limenas on the island of Thasos, and it was founded by the colonists from Tasos. At the time, it was the port of the then Macedonian capital, Philipi.

Neapolis had the status of a Roman city

Many historical events took place here! For example, Brutus and Cassius dealt with Philip, and later apostle Paul landed in Kavala upon his arrival in Europe in 49th when he came to preach Christianity.

Ottoman rule

Kavala was under the Ottoman rule for almost six centuries (until the 20th century). Unfortunately, Sultan Bayezid I completely destroyed and resettled its inhabitants in the 14th century. The city was restored only in the late nineteenth century. The great vizier Ibrahim Pasha built a large aqueduct in the sixteenth century which today is the symbol of Kavala. Interestingly, Ibrahim Pasha was born in Kavala and has done a lot for the development and prosperity of the city.

First Balkan War brought new almond cookies

Kavala was liberated by the Greek Navy during the First Balkan War, 1913. After that, the city experienced a new cultural exchange with the arrival of numerous Greek refugees from Asia Minor. The refugees arrived after the exchange of the population with Turkey.

On this occasion, many recipes for delicious desserts and main dishes were brought with the Greek refugees from the east. Specifically, a recipe for almond cookies became extremely popular. In Kavala, this recipe was perfected to the point of glory!

Modern Kavala

The city has about 80,000 inhabitants, mostly of Greek nationality. In the nineteenth century, the majority of the population were Turks. Today, with the arrival in Kavala, you can feel the unusual connection of a large city and a quiet coastal place. A combination of Christian and Islamic culture. This would be very similar to Mostar, the winter home of Greek Goes Keto!

The collision of east and west

Especially in the old town of Kavala, where narrow cobbled streets are interlaced with old houses and modern buildings, you feel this collision. Cafes, sea, beaches, beautiful sunsets, luxurious yachts and small fishing boats create the perfect image…

Amphitheatre shape

Interestingly, just like these cookies, Kavala is shaped like an amphitheatre! Stretching from the harbour to the fortress at the highest peak on one side and Mount Simvolo on the other. Kavala is a white city with white buildings. Definitely, it’s one of the most picturesque cities in Greece.

Among other things, due to its location, it is an excellent choice for a touristic visit. However, if you are on Keto, don’t try the original cookies. No matter how inviting or delicious they are, you will consume way too much sugar!

But how shall we experience the glorious Kavala Cookies?

Simply, make this delicious and crunchy ketonised version and feel the spirit of history and futurism in a single bite. Yes, we embrace the culture and the knowledge of the past! However, we prefer to avoid sugar and starch. Furthermore, we strive to include our new Keto science in this rebirth of legendary Kavala cookies!