Sure, here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Arabic cake called “Basbousa” or “Hareeseh”:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds or pine nuts for garnish (optional)
For the syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A few drops of rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. If using coconut, fold it into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, score the batter into diamond or square shapes. You can also decorate the top with blanched almonds or pine nuts by pressing them gently into the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 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 sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. If using, add a few drops of rose water or orange blossom water to the syrup and stir.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the hot cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish, allowing it to absorb the syrup.
- Once cooled, cut the cake along the scored lines and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Arabic Basbousa cake!
