Basbousa

Basbousa
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: 8

Ingredients:

- 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 water

Method:

- 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 #MiddleEastern #RoseWaterFlavored #SemolinaCake #SweetandFragrant #TraditionalRecipe
https://ispychef.com/basbousa/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breton Kouign-Amann

Image
Kouign-Amann, a lesser-known gem from Brittany, France, is a decadent pastry that celebrates the delightful trio of dough, butter, and sugar. This local recipe, whose name means "butter cake" in Breton, is characterized by its layered, flaky texture and caramelized sugar crust. It's a luxurious treat for those who cherish the art of French pastry making. Preparation Time: 2 hours (including resting) Cooking Time: 30 minutes Resting Time: 1 hour Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Serving: 8 Ingredients: - 1 cup (240ml) warm water - 2 tsp (10ml) active dry yeast - 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1 tsp (5g) salt - 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold, plus extra for greasing - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling Method: - Dough Preparation: - Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir unti...
Read more

Hot Chocolate

Image
Enjoy a cozy cup of homemade hot chocolate. This recipe combines melted chocolate with warm milk, spices, and a marshmallow on top. Preparation time: 5 min Cooking time: 10 min Resting time: N/A Total time: 15 min Serves: 2 Ingredients : - 1 cinnamon stick - 1/4 cup of sugar - 3 1/2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate - 1/4 cup of cocoa powder - 4 cups of milk (whole milk, or oat, almond, soy milk) - 1/2 vanilla bean (scraped) or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Method : - In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine all the ingredients. - Heat until gently simmering, whisking until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. - Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean, and discard them. - Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings. Notes : For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate in this hot chocolate recipe. Nutritional Info :...
Read more

Belgian Pasta with Creamy Endive and Ham Sauce

Image
Explore a unique twist on Belgian cuisine with this comforting pasta recipe, blending the country's love for endives and quality ham in a creamy sauce. This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, showcasing Belgium's culinary tradition through a pasta lens. It's a less common but authentically local dish that brings a piece of Belgian comfort food to your table. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Resting Time: N/A Total Time: 40 minutes Serving: 4 Ingredients: - 400g pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli) - 4 Belgian endives, thinly sliced - 200g cooked ham, cut into strips - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese - 2 tablespoons butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Nutmeg, a pinch Method: - Cook Pasta: - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare...
Read more