Basboussa

Basbousa: The Sweet Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

Basbousa, a cake with a rich history, is a dessert that has crossed generations and cultures, bringing joy to the tables of those who savor it. This cake, with a fluffy texture and sweet syrup, is made from semolina and is particularly popular in many corners of the world, known by various names, from Revani in Turkey to Harisa in Lebanon. Regardless of the name, basbousa remains a symbol of hospitality and good taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 2 cups of semolina
- 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 50 grams of soft butter
- 1 cup of cream (preferably honey-flavored)
- 1 cup of full-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of raw almonds (for decoration)

For the syrup:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of rose water (or orange blossom water)
- 25 grams of palm margarine or unsalted butter (optional)

Step by step to achieve a perfect basbousa

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Buy fresh ingredients, and if you choose almonds, opt for raw ones to retain their natural flavors.

Step 2: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, coconut flakes, sugar, and baking powder. Mix these ingredients well to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed. The lemon juice will activate the baking powder, so it’s important to have all the dry ingredients mixed correctly.

Step 3: Creating the wet mixture
In another bowl, beat the soft butter with the cream until it becomes a creamy mixture. Add the yogurt and mix well. Ensure that all ingredients are integrated to achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Add the wet mixture to the dry one and mix everything with a spatula or a wooden spoon. It is important not to overmix, just until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Preparing the baking dish
Grease a heat-resistant glass dish (about 25x35 cm) with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the basbousa mixture into the dish and level the surface. Using a knife, draw diamonds on the surface of the cake and place half an almond in each diamond.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will make you eagerly await to savor this delight.

Step 7: Preparing the syrup
While the cake is in the oven, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla essence, and rose water. Boil the mixture uncovered for 15 minutes until the syrup begins to thicken. Finally, add the butter (or margarine) and mix well.

Step 8: Final assembly
After the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the warm syrup over it, ensuring it soaks well. Put the cake back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until it becomes golden on top.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
Let the cake cool completely before cutting it. Basbousa is delicious served alongside mint tea or aromatic coffee. You can experiment with different types of nuts for decoration, such as pistachios, which add a crunchy note and vibrant color.

Useful tips
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rose water to the cake mixture.
- If you want to enjoy a healthier version, replace some of the sugar with honey.
- This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional information
Basbousa is a cake that, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation. A serving has approximately 300 calories, but it also provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from nuts. Semolina is a good source of fiber and protein, while coconut flakes also bring nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use buttermilk or regular milk, but yogurt provides a richer texture.

2. How can I keep basbousa fresh longer?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Is it possible to make basbousa gluten-free?
You can try replacing the semolina with a gluten-free alternative, although the texture will be different.

Basbousa is not just a cake, but a culinary experience that will transport you to a world full of flavors and traditions. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together, savoring a slice of this sweet delight! Enjoy!