Harisa Cake

Harisa Cake: An Oriental Flavor Delight

Are you looking for a simple yet characterful dessert? I invite you to discover the recipe for Harisa Cake, a semolina cake that brings a touch of nostalgia and an explosion of oriental flavors. This traditional recipe, filled with ingredients that remind us of our grandparents, will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 500 g semolina
- 1 tablespoon of coconut (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 150 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 800 g full-fat yogurt
- 2 packets of baking powder
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar

For the syrup:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Juice from 2 lemons

Step by Step

1. Prepare the cake base
Start by preheating the oven to 160°C (320°F). It's essential to maintain a consistent temperature for an evenly baked cake. Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) and line it with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle a little semolina to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, melted and cooled butter, vanilla sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest. Use a mixer or spatula to mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Here, the citrus aroma will blend with the sweetness of the sugar, providing a refreshing taste.

3. Add the dry ingredients
Gradually add the semolina and yogurt, continuously mixing to avoid lumps. It’s important to combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones to ensure a fine and even texture for the cake.

4. Whip the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. This is key for a fluffy cake. The whipped egg whites will add air and volume to the mixture. Gently fold them into the semolina mixture using a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.

5. Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. It’s important to check the cake in the middle to ensure it’s nearly done.

6. Prepare the syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

7. Finish baking
When the cake is nearly done, take it out of the oven and pour the syrup evenly over it. Return the cake to the oven for another 10 minutes to allow the syrup to be absorbed. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and flavorful cake.

8. Cool and serve
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge for a few hours (at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight) before cutting and serving. This allows the flavors to develop and meld perfectly.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use quality butter, as it will influence the final taste of the cake. Also, opt for full-fat yogurt for a richer texture.
- Variations: You can add ground nuts or almonds to the mixture for a crunchy texture. Another delicious option is to replace the yogurt with cottage cheese for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Serving: Harisa Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or strong coffee. For a more decadent dessert, serve it with a dollop of cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, besides being delicious, also offers some nutritional benefits. Semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates, while yogurt provides protein and beneficial probiotics for digestion. The citrus zest adds a boost of vitamin C, making this dessert not only tasty but also a bit healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt, but make sure it’s not too sweet.

2. How can I tell if the cake is baked?
Do the toothpick test: insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

3. What should I do if the cake didn’t rise?
Ensure that you used the baking powder correctly and that the egg whites were beaten well enough to incorporate air.

Harisa Cake is not just a simple dessert; it’s a way to bring a touch of tradition and warmth into your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and let the enticing aromas inspire your senses!