Basboussa or Lebanese cake

Name: Basboussa or Lebanese cake - Valeria L.
Ingredients: I used a yogurt cup as a measure. 1 plain white yogurt; 1/2 cup of powdered sugar; 1 cup of medium couscous; 75 g of melted butter; 1/2 cup of grated coconut; 2 tablespoons of baking powder. Syrup: 2 cups of sugar; 3 cups of water; 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or orange blossom water.

Dessert - Basboussa or Lebanese cake by Valeria L. - Recipia

Basbousa with Yogurt and Coconut: An Aromatic Eastern Delight When it comes to desserts that combine tradition with exquisite taste, Basbousa is certainly a favorite. This delicious cake, known by various names in different corners of the world, is a perfect choice for any occasion. Originating from regions with Arab influences, Basbousa is appreciated for its moist texture and sweet flavors. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a Lebanese version of Basbousa, with yogurt and coconut, which will surely delight your guests. Preparation Time: - Active time: 15 minutes - Baking time: 30 minutes - Total time: 1 hour - Servings: 12 Ingredients: *For the cake:* - 1 cup of plain natural yogurt (about 250 g) - ½ cup of powdered sugar (about 100 g) - 1 cup of medium couscous (about 180 g, but you can also use semolina) - 75 g of melted butter - ½ cup of grated coconut - 2 tablespoons of baking powder *For the syrup:* - 2 cups of sugar (about 400 g) - 3 cups of water (about 720 ml) - 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or orange blossom water Step by Step: 1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the yogurt is at room temperature to mix better with the other ingredients. If you don’t have orange blossom water, lemon juice will add a fresh and citrusy taste to your dessert. 2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, use a whisk to beat the yogurt with the powdered sugar well. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add the melted butter and continue mixing. 3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the baking powder, coconut, and couscous to the bowl with yogurt. Gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be homogeneous and easy to pour. 4. Baking the cake: Prepare a baking tray (about 20x30 cm) with baking paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface using a spatula. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes. It is important to monitor the cake in the last minutes; check if it is baked by inserting a knife in the middle – it should come out clean. 5. Preparing the syrup: While the cake is in the oven, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, add the sugar, water, and orange blossom water or lemon juice. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Let it cool. 6. Soaking the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour half of the warm syrup over it. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes. This step helps the syrup absorb into the cake, making it even moister and more aromatic. 7. Finalizing: After 10 minutes, take the cake out of the oven and pour the remaining syrup. Turn off the oven and let the cake stay inside for another 15 minutes. Then, let the cake cool completely at room temperature. 8. Serving: It is recommended to wait between 5 and 6 hours before cutting the cake into squares or diamonds. This will allow the flavors to develop and prevent the cake from crumbling. Decorate with roasted pistachios or grated coconut for an extra touch of flavor and appearance. Practical Tips: - Using semolina: If you don’t have couscous, don’t worry! You can use semolina instead, and the cake's texture will be just as delicious. - Storing the cake: Basbousa keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. You can enjoy it for several days, and the flavors become even more intense. - Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or cardamom to the mixture. Also, a splash of almond extract can provide a unique taste. Delicious Combinations: Basbousa pairs perfectly with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can turn the dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience. Nutritional Benefits: This cake contains protein from yogurt, healthy fats from coconut, and carbohydrates from couscous, providing a long-lasting energy source. It is quite rich in calories, making it perfect for special occasions. Frequently Asked Questions: - Can I use natural sweeteners? Yes, you can replace sugar with honey or your preferred natural sweetener, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe. - Can I add fruits to the cake? Absolutely! You can add dried or fresh fruits for a touch of freshness. Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking. Basbousa with yogurt and coconut will be a treat that will delight everyone! I invite you to enjoy this dessert full of tradition and flavor, and to share the joy of cooking with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

Basboussa or Lebanese cake

Tags

Categories