Divine Basbousa: A Sweet Semolina Delight!

Introduction

Welcome to a journey of sweetness and indulgence with our delectable Basbousa recipe! Originating from the heart of the Middle East, Basbousa is a beloved dessert renowned for its rich flavor and unique texture.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist and crumbly cake, infused with the subtle aroma of rose water and orange blossom, and topped with a generous layer of sweet syrup. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, leaving you longing for more.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary adventure through the enchanting world of Basbousa. From the origins of this traditional dessert to step-by-step instructions for making it at home, we’ll delve into every aspect of Basbousa-making, ensuring that your end result is nothing short of perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends and family or simply craving a sweet indulgence, Basbousa is sure to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delightful as it is delicious. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of Basbousa together!

Divine Basbousa: A Sweet Semolina Delight!

Course: DessertsCuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: Moderate
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

400

kcal

Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and many other countries. It is made with coarse semolina, yogurt, butter, and sugar, and baked until golden and moist. Then, it is soaked in a fragrant syrup flavored with orange blossom water or rose water, and garnished with almonds, coconut, or pistachios. Basbousa is a simple yet delicious treat that can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a festive dessert for special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of coarse semolina

  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup of sugar

  • 1 tsp of baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp of salt

  • 3/4 cup of plain yogurt

  • 1/2 cup of melted butter

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup of blanched almonds

  • For the syrup

  • 2 cups of sugar

  • 1 1/2 cups of water

  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice

  • 1 tsp of orange blossom water or rose water

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Cut into diamond or square shapes and place an almond on each piece.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, make the syrup by combining the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in the orange blossom water or rose water and turn off the heat.
  • As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over it, making sure to cover all the pieces. Let the cake absorb the syrup for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Please note that the calorie counts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.