🍲 Egyptian Basbousa 🍰
A delightful and sweet semolina cake soaked in fragrant syrup, perfect for any occasion!
🌍 What Is Basbousa?
Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh or Revani, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made primarily from semolina. This moist cake is often flavored with coconut and topped with nuts, making it a beloved treat across Egypt and beyond.
🧾 Ingredients
**Base:**
- 200 grams salted butter, softened
- 1 cup Greek-style yogurt
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1.5 cups fine semolina
- 0.5 cup almond meal
- Blanched almonds (for garnish)
**Optional:**
- 2 cups white sugar (for syrup)
- 1.5 cups cold water (for syrup)
- Juice of 1/4 lemon (for syrup)
- 1 tablespoon rose water (for syrup)
- Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Syrup:**
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of white sugar, 1.5 cups of cold water, the juice of 1/4 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of rose water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then gently boil for 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
2. **Mix the Batter:**
- In a large bowl, beat together 200 grams of softened salted butter, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, and 1 cup of white sugar until well combined.
- Add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of desiccated coconut, 1.5 cups of fine semolina, and 0.5 cup of almond meal to form a loose batter.
3. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
4. **Prepare the Baking Tray:**
- Grease a baking tray (approximately 33 cm x 20 cm).
- Pour the batter into the tray and flatten it evenly.
5. **Portion the Cake:**
- Score the batter into squares or diamonds, depending on your preference.
- Place a blanched almond in the center of each piece.
6. **Bake:**
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. **Soak the Cake:**
- Once baked, remove the basbousa from the oven and pour the cooled syrup over the top.
- Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
8. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top, being careful not to cover the almonds.
- Let the basbousa sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the syrup before serving.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve basbousa at room temperature, cut into squares or diamonds. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
💡 Pro Tips
- For a more intense flavor, let the syrup cool completely before pouring it over the hot cake.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This
Basbousa is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying with its sweet, syrupy texture and nutty flavor. It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home!
