Revani, a semolina cake soaked in syrup
Revani - Soaked Cake with Semolina
When it comes to desserts, few can match the charm and delight of a soaked cake. Revani is a perfect example of such a delicacy, combining a fluffy texture with the inviting aroma of sweet syrup. This cake has a fascinating history, rooted in the traditions of Eastern sweets, and is often enjoyed during moments of celebration and joy.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the batter:
- 4 large eggs, preferably free-range
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup (200 ml) of sugar
- 1 cup (200 ml) of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1 cup (200 ml) of yogurt or buttermilk
- 2 cups (400 g) of flour
- 1 cup (200 g) of semolina
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla essence
- 1 baking powder
- 1 pinch of turmeric (optional, but recommended for vibrant color)
For the syrup:
- 4 cups (1 liter) of water
- 2 cups (400 g) of sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For greasing the pan:
- Butter
For serving:
- Roasted and caramelized pumpkin seeds (or pistachios, ground walnuts)
Preparation:
1. Making the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water with sugar and bring to a boil over low heat. Let it boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Once the syrup has boiled, add the lemon juice and mix well. Then, let the saucepan cool so that the syrup becomes slightly viscous.
2. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with a pinch of salt and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes a thick, light-colored foam. This is the key stage for achieving a fluffy cake!
3. Adding wet ingredients: Start adding the oil gradually in a thin stream while continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the yogurt or buttermilk along with the vanilla essence. Mix well until homogeneous.
4. Combining dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, semolina, baking powder, and turmeric. This combination will give the cake both structure and the desired aroma.
5. Merging the mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture over the wet mixture and gently mix with a whisk or spatula, being careful not to form lumps. This step is essential for keeping air in the batter and achieving a fine texture.
6. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 160-170 °C. Grease a baking pan (about 30x20 cm) with butter and sprinkle a little flour so that the batter doesn’t stick.
7. Baking: Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown and passes the toothpick test.
8. Soaking the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and cut it into pieces as quickly as possible while it is still hot. Use the previously prepared syrup and pour it evenly over the cake. It’s best to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it absorb the syrup for a few hours, but ideally, leave it overnight.
9. Serving: When serving, sprinkle roasted and caramelized pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy contrast and a touch of sweetness. This cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant coffee or mint tea. Revani is a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones, making it ideal for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself.
Practical tip: If you like it sweeter, you can add an extra 50-100 ml of syrup according to your preferences. You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds to customize this dessert to your liking.
Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Revani contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of syrup used. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, but consumed in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the textures may vary.
2. Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener? Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup, but adjustments for the syrup will vary.
3. How can I store Revani? The cake keeps well in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, for up to a week.
Revani is more than just a cake; it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation, and each bite will bring you joy and pleasant memories. Try this simple and quick recipe and enjoy a dessert that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 4 eggs, 1 pinch of salt, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of oil, 1 cup of yogurt or buttermilk, 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of semolina, 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla essence, 1 pinch of baking powder, 1 pinch of turmeric (optional). For the syrup: 4 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, juice from 1/2 lemon, butter for greasing the pan. For serving: roasted and caramelized pumpkin seeds.
