Basbousa
Basbousa is a popular Egyptian dessert made from semolina flour, yogurt, sugar, and butter. It is traditionally served alongside a hot cup of tea or Arabic coffee, and is enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Basbousa is a sweet and moist cake that is often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, and is typically topped with a variety of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.
Basbousa is believed to have originated in Egypt, where it has been a popular dessert for centuries. The recipe for basbousa has been passed down through generations of Egyptian families, and has since spread to many other countries throughout the Middle East and beyond.
According to common legend, the word “basbousa” comes from the Egyptian word “besbas,” which means “kiss” in Arabic. The dessert is said to have gotten its name from the delightful and sweet kiss it delivers to the taste buds.
Making basbousa is a relatively simple affair, and requires only a few ingredients. To create this delicious dessert, you will need semolina flour, baking powder, sugar, yogurt, butter, milk, and rose water or orange blossom water. Once you have gathered all of the necessary ingredients, you can begin making the batter for your basbousa.
To make the batter, you will need to mix the semolina flour, baking powder, and sugar together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, melted butter, milk, and rose water or orange blossom water together. Combine the two mixtures and stir until you have a smooth batter.
Next, pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown. While the basbousa is baking, you can prepare the syrup that will be used to sweeten and moisten the cake.
To make the syrup, you will need sugar, water, and lemon juice. Heat the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the mixture is ready, pour it over the baked basbousa while it is still hot, and allow it to soak into the cake.
Finally, top the basbousa with your choice of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, and allow it to cool before serving. Basbousa can be served warm or at room temperature, and is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or Arabic coffee.
Overall, basbousa is a delicious and popular dessert that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a great choice for those who love baking and trying out new recipes. So why not give it a try and experience the sweet kiss of basbousa for yourself?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup ghee or butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp rose water
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350 F.
-
Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or ghee.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coconut flakes.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the ghee, sugar, yogurt, rose water, and orange blossom water until well combined.
-
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
-
While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
-
Reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
-
Remove the basbousa from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the top of the hot cake.
-
Let the basbousa cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
-
Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Egyptian basbousa!