Arabic Semolina Cake — also known as Basbousa (or Hareeseh, Revani, or Namoura in various cultures) — is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, yogurt, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It’s soft, sweet, slightly nutty, and super simple to make. 🌿🍰
🇸🇾 Classic Arabic Semolina Cake (Basbousa / Hareeseh)
📝 Ingredients
(Makes one 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan, depending on thickness)
For the cake:
-
2 cups semolina (coarse or fine, or a mix)
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1 cup plain yogurt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
-
1/2 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
-
Blanched almonds or pine nuts (for garnish)
For the sugar syrup:
-
1 cup sugar
-
1/2 cup water
-
1 tsp lemon juice
-
1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional but traditional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the syrup (ahead of time):
-
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
-
Add lemon juice, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and stir in rose water or orange blossom water, if using.
-
Let syrup cool completely.
2. Make the cake batter:
-
In a large bowl, mix semolina, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add the yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla (if using). Mix until well combined.
-
Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb moisture.
3. Assemble:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Grease your baking dish with butter or oil.
-
Pour in the batter and spread it evenly.
-
Score the surface into squares or diamonds using a knife.
-
Press a blanched almond or pine nut into the center of each piece.
4. Bake:
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
-
If you want a deeper golden crust, you can broil the top for 1–2 minutes (watch carefully).
5. Add syrup:
-
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, slowly pour the cooled syrup all over the hot cake.
-
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the syrup fully.
🍽️ Serving
-
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
-
Perfect with tea or Arabic coffee.
🔁 Optional Variations
-
Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter.
-
Use ghee instead of butter for a more traditional flavor.
-
Top with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios after baking for extra flair.
Would you like a vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar version?
