Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet cake, beloved across the region for its dense yet tender texture, soaked in a fragrant syrup. Made primarily from semolina, this dessert is often perfumed with rose water or orange blossom water, giving it a distinctive flavor that transports you to the bustling markets and warm kitchens of the Middle East.Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Resting Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Serving: 8Ingredients: - For the Cake: - 2 cups semolina - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup plain yogurt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional) - Almonds or blanched almonds for garnish - For the Syrup: - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom waterMethod: - Prepare the Syrup: - Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in rose water or orange blossom water and set aside to cool. - Mix the Cake Ingredients: - In a bowl, mix semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, baking powder, and desiccated coconut until well combined. - Bake: - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Pour the cake mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Score the top lightly into squares or diamonds and place an almond on each piece. - Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. - Soak with Syrup: - As soon as the cake is out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes.Notes: - The key to a moist Basbousa is to ensure it is well soaked with syrup. Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar in the syrup. - For a vegan version, substitute plain yogurt with a dairy-free alternative. - Basbousa is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Nutritional Information per Serving (Based on USDA Guidelines): - Calories: 390 kcal - Protein: 5g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 2g - Sodium: 150mg - Sugars: 40g . . . . Click to see recipe. #Recipe #Chef #Foodie
