Greek semolina cake

Greek semolina cake - a delightful treat that is easy to make, full of flavor, and has a fluffy texture that will win you over from the first bite. This recipe draws inspiration from Greek culinary traditions and is perfect for moments when you crave something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. I invite you to discover the simple steps to create this delicious cake, which can quickly become your favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 cup (150 g) semolina
- 1/2 cup (100 g) ground peanuts or almonds
- Juice from 1 lemon and 1 orange (or just one of them)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the syrup:
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this will help with better homogenization of the mixture. If you choose to use peanuts, ensure they are unsweetened and unsalted. You can also opt for almonds, which will add a distinct flavor.

Step 2: Separating the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as these need to be beaten into a foam.

Step 3: Preparing the cake mixture
In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. Add the lemon and orange juice, and mix well. Then, incorporate the semolina and ground peanuts, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Step 4: Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you achieve a stiff foam. This step is crucial as the egg white foam will add air to the cake, giving it a light texture. Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 6: Preparing the syrup
In a pot, combine the water with the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Boil the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup becomes slightly viscous, similar to honey. This will add a rich flavor to your cake.

Step 7: Assembly
Once the cake has cooled slightly, cut it into portions and pour the hot syrup over it. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld perfectly.

Serving Suggestions
You can serve the Greek semolina cake alongside a cup of Greek yogurt or with a spoonful of sweet cream. A cup of fragrant tea or an espresso will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Variations
For an extra note of flavor, experiment with various flavors by adding a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the syrup. You can also replace the peanuts with walnuts or pistachios for a variety of textures and tastes.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of Greek semolina cake contains approximately 200 calories, being rich in protein due to the eggs and containing healthy fats from peanuts or almonds. It is an excellent choice for a dessert that provides both energy and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of flour instead of semolina?
Semolina gives the cake a specific texture, but if you don't have it on hand, you can try almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free dessert.

How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Is this dessert suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan due to the eggs, but you can experiment with egg substitutes like applesauce or vegan yogurt to adapt the recipe.

Conclusion
Greek semolina cake is a quick and simple choice for a delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a light texture, a flavorful syrup, and various serving options, this cake will surely become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: I used: 6 eggs, almonds or peanuts, 1 cup of sugar, lemon and orange juice, semolina, vanilla sugar. For the syrup: 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5-6 cloves.

 Tags:  greek cake semolina cake