Greek Recipe for Semolina Pudding with Dried Fruits

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, making sure it is well heated before introducing the dish. Start by greasing a baking tray with butter, ensuring to cover not just the bottom but also the side walls. After greasing, sprinkle a uniform layer of granulated sugar over the entire greased surface, making sure that a layer of sugar about 2-3 mm high forms at the bottom of the tray, which will create a delicious crust during baking.

In a large bowl, mix semolina with sifted flour, baking powder, and almond flour. These dry ingredients will combine perfectly, creating a flavorful base for the pudding. Add chopped nuts, dried apricots, dates, figs, grated ginger, and raisins to this mixture. These fruits and nuts will bring extra flavor and texture to the dish, adding a note of natural sweetness and a crunchy accent.

In another bowl, cream the soft butter together with powdered sugar until you obtain a fluffy and homogeneous composition. This is the moment to add yogurt, grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and rose water, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients. Then, gradually add the egg yolks, ensuring to fully homogenize each one before adding the next. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

Once you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, gradually add the semolina mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Finally, fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites, being careful to integrate them gently to maintain the fluffiness.

Pour the resulting mixture into the prepared tray and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the pudding is firm, browned, and passes the toothpick test. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool in the tray.

Meanwhile, prepare the delicious syrup: pour hot water over honey and lemon juice, stirring well until the honey completely dissolves. This syrup will add a sweet and aromatic flavor to the pudding. Spoon the warm syrup over the cooled pudding and let it absorb the flavors for 1-2 hours before cutting.

Serve the sliced pudding plain, or dusted with sugar, either with fruit syrup or topped with whipped cream, depending on individual preferences. This recipe will not only delight the taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to your table.