Basbousa is a traditional Egyptian dessert that is beloved for its sweet, moist, and slightly grainy texture. Made primarily from semolina and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, this delightful cake is often garnished with nuts and served on special occasions or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blanched almonds or whole nuts for garnish
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a round cake pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the shredded coconut if using.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined and you have a thick batter.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
- Score the Batter: Using a knife, lightly score the batter into diamond or square shapes. Place a blanched almond or whole nut in the center of each piece.
- Bake the Cake: 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.
Preparing the Sugar Syrup
- Make the Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the syrup comes to a boil, add the lemon juice and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Fragrance: Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water, if using. Let the syrup cool slightly.
Assembling the Basbousa
- Pour the Syrup: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm sugar syrup evenly over the hot cake. Make sure the syrup is absorbed evenly by pouring it gradually.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut along the scored lines and serve the Basbousa pieces on a platter.
Cultural Significance
Basbousa is a cherished dessert in Egyptian cuisine, often served during special occasions, holidays, and family gatherings. Its simplicity, combined with the fragrant sweetness of the syrup, makes it a favorite among both children and adults. The addition of coconut and nuts varies by region and personal preference, but the essence of Basbousa remains the same.
Basbousa is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures the sweet and fragrant flavors of Egyptian cuisine. Its moist, semolina-based texture and the rich sugar syrup make it a perfect ending to any meal. Enjoy making and savoring this traditional Egyptian treat, and share it with friends and family to experience the warmth and hospitality of Egyptian culinary traditions.