Ravani

Ravani – Greek Cake with Aromatic Lemon and Orange Syrup

Introduction
Discover a delicacy from Mediterranean cuisine, a dessert that will delight your senses and bring a touch of sunshine into your life: Ravani. This moist and sticky cake, soaked in fragrant citrus syrup, is more than just a dessert – it is a taste experience that combines sweetness with acidity, making anyone fall in love with it. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but what is certain is that Ravani is a cake that no one can forget. Let’s prepare it together!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients
For the Base:
- 3 large eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 8 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons of semolina
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil or melted butter (preferably unsalted for a richer taste)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 4 tablespoons of yogurt (preferably plain, without flavors)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for an extra flavor)

For the Syrup:
- 3 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed, for a vibrant aroma)

Preparing Ravani – Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan of about 20x30 cm with oil and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the Base
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake. Then, add the yogurt, oil or melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the semolina, flour, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and gently fold, being careful not to overmix, to keep the air in the mixture. This will ensure a light texture for the cake.

Step 4: Baking
Pour the obtained batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to prevent the cake from collapsing.

Step 5: Preparing the Syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup begins to thicken slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Once ready, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Finishing the Cake
When the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Use a knife to cut the cake into squares or diamonds. Now, carefully pour the warm syrup over the warm cake, ensuring that each piece is well soaked.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool completely so that the syrup is fully absorbed. This process will make the Ravani moist and full of flavor. Serve the cake plain or with a dollop of cream, whipped cream, or even with a chocolate glaze for a delicious contrast.

Serving Suggestions
Ravani is wonderful served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream will add a refreshing note. Also, feel free to experiment with various toppings, such as toasted nuts or coconut flakes, to add a crunchy texture.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake, in addition to its delicious flavor, contains ingredients that can provide nutritional benefits. Eggs are a good source of protein, and yogurt brings beneficial probiotics for digestion. Semolina, being a source of complex carbohydrates, provides long-lasting energy. However, it is good to know that Ravani is a sweet dessert, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but the texture of the cake will be different. It is recommended to use a combination of whole wheat flour with white flour to achieve a fluffier cake.

2. What other flavors can I use instead of vanilla?
You can experiment with almond extract or even cinnamon to add an exotic note.

3. How can I store the cake?
Ravani stores well at room temperature in an airtight container. It can be kept for 4-5 days, but it will surely disappear quickly!

Conclusion
Ravani is more than just a simple cake; it is an invitation to savor beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will bring a smile to anyone's face. So, set out on a journey and transform simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece!