It seems like you’re referring to “Basbousa,” which is a popular Middle Eastern dessert. Basbousa is a sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup, often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water and sometimes topped with nuts like almonds or coconut. Here’s a simple recipe for Basbousa:Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
For garnish (optional):
- Slivered almonds or pine nuts
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, sugar, plain yogurt, melted butter, desiccated coconut (if using), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Use a knife to score the batter into diamond or square shapes.
- Optional: Place a slivered almond or pine nut in the center of each scored shape, and sprinkle desiccated coconut over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water, if using.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot cake.
- Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish to allow it to soak up the syrup.
- Once cooled, cut the cake along the scored lines and serve.
Basbousa is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. Enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern dessert with a cup of tea or coffee!
