Semolina pudding with toppings

Mezes with semolina cream: A delicacy that blends tradition and flavor

The mezes with semolina cream is a dessert that carries not just the aroma of its ingredients but also memories from times past, when festive meals were enveloped in the joy of taste and good taste. This dessert is a perfect choice for special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to your everyday life. In the following lines, I will share with you the detailed step-by-step recipe so that you can achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the sheets:*
- 500 g flour
- 150 g honey
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g lard
- 50 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda or ammonia
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 1 l milk
- 250 g butter
- 150 g semolina
- 200 g sugar
- Zest and juice of one large lemon
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 cup ground walnuts

Step 1: Preparing the sheets

Start by preparing a heat-resistant bowl, in which you will add the milk, honey, sugar, lard, egg, and baking soda. Using a whisk, beat the ingredients well in a bain-marie (a pot of hot water in which to place a smaller pot) until the mixture doubles in volume. This is an essential process, as the incorporated air will make the sheets fluffier.

*Helpful tip:* Make sure that the water in the bain-marie does not boil too vigorously, otherwise it risks affecting the texture of the mixture.

Once you have obtained a fluffy cream, remove the bowl from the heat and add all the flour at once, quickly mixing with a wooden spoon. When the dough becomes homogeneous, let it cool a bit, then knead it well with your hands. It is important to give it this cooling time to avoid burning when it comes into contact with your hands.

Divide the dough into five equal pieces and roll each piece into a sheet the size of your tray. Place the sheets on the bottom of the floured tray and bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes, or until they become slightly golden.

*Frequently asked question:* Why should we flour the tray? This step is essential to prevent the sheets from sticking, ensuring that you can easily detach them.

Step 2: Preparing the semolina cream

While the sheets are baking, you can start preparing the cream. In a pot, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil with the semolina and lemon zest. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming. When the semolina begins to thicken, remove the pot from the heat and let the cream cool slightly.

Once cooled, add the lemon juice, butter, and vanilla sugar, along with 200 g of sugar. Divide the cream into two parts: leave one white, while in the other add the instant coffee dissolved in a few drops of water. This contrast of colors and flavors will make the dessert not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Step 3: Assembling the mezes

Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the mezes. Place the first sheet on a platter, spreading it evenly with the white cream. Continue alternating between the sheets of dough and the two types of cream: one sheet, a layer of white cream, one sheet, a layer of cream with coffee, and so on until you finish the sheets.

In the end, cover the mezes with a layer of white cream and sprinkle ground walnuts on top. This detail will add not only a wonderful taste but also a crunchy texture that will make the dessert even more delicious.

Serving suggestion: Let the mezes sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This resting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly. You can serve the dessert with herbal tea or aromatic coffee to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional information: Per serving, this dessert contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the portion served. It is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats from butter and nuts, and also proteins from milk and eggs.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to the semolina cream. Also, instead of instant coffee, you can use cocoa to achieve a chocolate version of this dessert.

I encourage you to try this recipe for mezes with semolina cream, not only for its flavor but also for the joy it brings around the table. It is a dessert that will surely leave an unforgettable impression on your guests and will turn any meal into a celebration of taste!