Harisi - Arabic cake

Harisi Cake - An Arabic Delight for Special Moments

Harisi cake is a traditional recipe from the Arab world, known for its soft and moist texture, thanks to the delicious syrup that enriches it. This cake is perfect for festive occasions as well as for personal indulgence. With a simple yet flavorful composition, Harisi is easy to make at home, and the result will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 12-15 servings

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 200 g shredded coconut (finely ground for a uniform texture is ideal)
- 500 g semolina (preferably high quality for a good structure)
- 2 packets of baking powder
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 750 g sour cream or yogurt (sour cream is a great option for a richer taste)
- 150 g melted butter (for added flavor and moisture)

For the syrup:
- 2 cups (250 ml) of water
- 2 cups of sugar (you can adjust to 1 ½ cups if you prefer a less sweet cake)
- juice of 2 lemons (to add a touch of freshness)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the mixture
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, shredded coconut, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

2. Adding the wet ingredients
Add the sour cream (or yogurt) and melted butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Mix everything with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a homogeneous composition, thicker than that for a loaf cake. It is important not to overmix, as this could activate too much gluten in the semolina.

3. Resting the mixture
Let the mixture rest for an hour in a dark place. This is a crucial step as it allows the semolina to absorb the liquids and become softer.

4. Preheating the oven
While the mixture rests, preheat the oven to 180°C. Ensure that the temperature is consistent for even baking.

5. Preparing the baking tray
Grease a 25x30 cm baking tray with butter. This will help the cake release easily after baking and will add extra flavor.

6. Pouring the mixture into the tray
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula to achieve an even thickness.

7. Baking the cake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes, until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Preparing the syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, add the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Boil the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

9. Cutting the cake
About 10 minutes before removing the cake from the oven, use a knife dipped in water to gently cut the cake into squares. This step will help the syrup penetrate the cake better.

10. Adding the syrup
Once you've cut the cake, take it out of the oven and pour the hot syrup over it. Don't worry, the cake will absorb all the syrup, becoming moist and flavorful.

11. Returning to the oven
Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes to allow the syrup to integrate perfectly.

12. Cooling and serving
After the cake has completely cooled, you can cut it into servings. It is recommended to serve it cold, which will help maintain its moist and delicious texture.

Serving suggestions:
Harisi cake is wonderful served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can also add some toasted almonds or nuts on top for a more decorative touch.

Personalized option:
For a more exotic note, you can add a few drops of rosewater to the syrup or replace part of the sugar in the syrup with honey for a deeper flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains simple ingredients that provide essential nutrients. Shredded coconut is rich in fiber and healthy fats, while semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates. Sour cream or yogurt adds a boost of protein and beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of milk instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk, but the final texture may vary.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or add more lemon juice for a more balanced flavor.

3. What is the secret to a moist cake?
Make sure to pour the hot syrup immediately after baking and allow it to absorb all the syrup.

Harisi cake is an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with delicious and traditional recipes. It offers not only a wonderful taste but also a memorable culinary experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and its enticing aromas!

 Ingredients: 200g coconut, 500g semolina, 2 packets of baking powder, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 750g sour cream or yogurt, 150g melted butter. For the syrup: 2 cups (250ml) of water, 2 cups of sugar (or 1.5 if you don't like it very sweet), juice from 2 lemons.