HARISI (ARABIC CAKE)

Harisi Cake: An Arabic Delicacy with Lemon and Coconut Flavor

Harisi Cake is a traditional recipe from Arabic cuisine that perfectly combines the flavors of coconut and lemon. This simple yet extremely flavorful cake is ideal for serving on special occasions or simply to add a touch of indulgence to your weekend days. Its preparation does not require advanced cooking skills, just a little patience and the desire to experiment with delicious flavors.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 200 g coconut (preferably unsweetened coconut flakes for an authentic taste)
- 500 g semolina (this will give a pleasant texture to the cake)
- 750 g yogurt (Greek yogurt is an excellent choice for creaminess)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 packets baking powder (to help the cake rise)
- 150 g butter (melted and cooled)

For the syrup:
- 2 cups water (approximately 500 ml)
- 2 cups sugar (approximately 400 g; adjust according to taste)
- Juice of 2 lemons (this will give a refreshing and vibrant taste)

Step by step: Preparing Harisi Cake

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the cake - semolina, coconut, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, and melted butter. It is important to use a mixer or a spatula to achieve a homogeneous mixture, with a consistency similar to that of a loaf batter, but slightly thicker.

2. Letting the dough rest: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough sit in the dark for about 1 hour. This step allows the ingredients to combine better and helps develop the flavors.

3. Preparing the pan: Before placing the dough in the oven, grease a baking tray with butter or use parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Choose a medium-sized tray, about 20x30 cm, to achieve an ideal thickness.

4. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius (medium to low heat) and pour the dough into the prepared tray. Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until it turns golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Preparing the syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the syrup reaches a slightly viscous consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Finishing the cake: After the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and cut it into portions while it is still warm. Generously pour the syrup over the cake. Although it may seem like there is too much syrup, it will be quickly absorbed by the cake, giving it a moist and flavorful texture.

7. Final resting: Place the cake back in the turned-off but still hot oven for 10 minutes. This will allow the syrup to integrate even better into the cake.

Serving suggestions and variations

Harisi Cake is best served at room temperature, but it can also be enjoyed cold. Serve it alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast of textures. Additionally, a garnish of lemon slices or toasted coconut can add an extra touch of appearance and flavor.

If you want to experiment with flavors, you can replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or you can add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the cake batter for a more exotic taste.

Nutritional benefits

Harisi Cake is rich in fiber due to the semolina and coconut, making it a relatively healthy dessert option, especially when consumed in moderation. The added yogurt provides protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar or use alternative sweeteners such as stevia or coconut sugar.

2. What else can I add to the dough?
Try adding some chopped nuts or raisins for an extra texture.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for a longer duration.

Harisi Cake is not just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings friends and family together around the table, offering moments of joy and indulgence. Enjoy every slice and don’t hesitate to share this delicacy with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 200 g coconut 500 g semolina 750 g yogurt vanilla essence 3 tablespoons sugar 2 packets baking powder 150 g butter for syrup: 2 cups of water 2 cups sugar juice from 2 lemons.