Basbousa (saudi Arabian Spiced Semolina Cake)
Basbousa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, yogurt, and coconut, soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. This Saudi Arabian version is spiced with cardamom and topped with almonds for a deliciously sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semolina
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the semolina, yogurt, coconut, sugar, melted butter, baking powder, and cardamom until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Use a knife to score the batter into diamond or square shapes, then place an almond slice in the center of each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the basbousa is baking, prepare the sugar syrup by combining the water and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Once the basbousa is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot sugar syrup over the hot basbousa, allowing it to soak in. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 15 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 30 minutes
- Total time:
- 45 minutes
- Cooking method
- Oven
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 250 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Protein
- 3g
- Fat
- 14g
Supplies
9x13 inch baking dish Mixing bowl Spatula Knife Small saucepan
Tools
Oven Stovetop
Serving suggestions
Serve the basbousa with a hot cup of Arabic coffee or a refreshing glass of mint tea.
Tips & tricks
For a variation, you can add a few drops of rose water to the sugar syrup for a floral aroma.
Cost
$10