Dessert - Pear and semolina cake by Matilda E. - Recipia
Pear and semolina cake - a dessert that combines velvety texture with the sweetness of fruits, perfect for bringing a touch of joy to any moment of the day. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for those who love to experiment in the kitchen, and the result is a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g semolina
- 3 medium ripe pears
- 100 g raisins
- 1 l milk
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 3 eggs
- 40 g butter (plus a bit for greasing the pan)
- a pinch of salt

A bit of history:
The pear and semolina cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, inspired by old dessert recipes that combined grains with fruits. Semolina, a staple ingredient in many cultures, has been used for centuries due to its versatility. Pears, with their juicy texture and sweet aroma, add an extra touch of refinement and freshness to this dessert.

Step by step:

1. Start with the raisins:
Soak the raisins in warm water for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to make them soft and juicy, so they integrate perfectly into the cake mixture. You can also use rum or orange juice for added flavor.

2. Prepare the semolina:
In a large pot, pour the milk, add the sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the milk starts to boil, add the semolina gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.

3. Prepare the pears:
Wash the pears, peel them, and slice them thinly. In a pan, add 30 g of butter and a tablespoon of water. When the butter melts, add the pear slices. Cook them over medium heat until they soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, you can add a little water to prevent sticking. Finally, add the drained raisins and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. Combine the ingredients:
When the semolina mixture has cooled, add the beaten eggs and vanilla. Mix well until homogeneous. This is the crucial stage for achieving a fine and airy texture.

5. Assemble the cake:
In a greased pan, pour a quarter of the semolina mixture. Add a quarter of the pear and raisin mixture. Continue to alternate the layers, finishing with the semolina. This arrangement will allow the cake to bake evenly, and the flavors to blend perfectly.

6. Bake the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. Try not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to avoid lowering the internal temperature.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. It is delicious served cold, but you can also serve it warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream.

Useful tips:
- For a richer taste and texture, you can add some chopped nuts or almonds to the mixture.
- If you want a more exotic note, replace the vanilla with cinnamon or add a few drops of almond essence.
- Make sure the pears are ripe but not too soft, to maintain their shape and prevent them from breaking down during baking.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, being a good source of carbohydrates and fiber due to the semolina and pears. It is a healthy option, rich in vitamins and minerals, that can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of pears? Absolutely! Apples or peaches are excellent alternatives.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based milk and chia eggs instead of eggs.

Recommended pairings:
Served with a cup of tea or coffee, the pear and semolina cake becomes a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon. Additionally, you can pair the dessert with a vanilla or caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.

Enjoy the cooking process and remember that every cake has its own story! It might become your favorite or that of your loved ones, bringing a touch of sweetness to each day.

Ingredients

200 g semolina, 3 pears, 100 g raisins, 1 l milk, 150 g sugar, vanilla, 3 eggs, 40 g butter, a pinch of salt

Dessert - Pear and semolina cake by Matilda E. - Recipia

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