Harisi
Harisi - Delicious Arabic Cake
If you are looking for a quick and tasty dessert, I invite you to discover Harisi, an Arabic cake with a unique texture that perfectly blends the flavors of coconut and yogurt. This cake is not only an excellent choice for a festive meal but also a wonderful dessert for any occasion. Let's see how you can prepare this delicacy step by step!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 200 g coconut (make sure it's fresh for an intense flavor)
- 500 g semolina (preferably fine for a silky texture)
- 150 g butter (melted, but not hot)
- 2 large tubs of yogurt (375 g each, you can use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess)
- 3 packets of baking powder (for a fluffy cake)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or more, to taste)
For the syrup:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar (adjustable according to your sweetness preferences)
- Juice of one lemon (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (optional, for extra flavor)
Necessary Utensils
- A large bowl for mixing the ingredients
- A 25/30 cm baking dish (grease it well with butter)
- A knife (to cut the cake)
- A small pot or saucepan for the syrup
Step by Step
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the coconut is fresh and the semolina is fine to achieve a silky texture.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the coconut, semolina, melted butter, yogurt, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Mix well with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. Letting the mixture rest: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the mixture sit in the dark for one hour. This step is essential as it allows the semolina to absorb the liquid from the yogurt and hydrate, making the cake fluffier.
4. Preheating the oven: While the mixture rests, preheat the oven to 180°C.
5. Pouring into the baking dish: After an hour, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Make sure it is well distributed for even baking.
6. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Preparing the syrup: 10 minutes before taking the cake out of the oven, prepare the syrup. In a small pot, combine the water and sugar. Place over medium heat and let it boil until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and vanilla sugar. Mix well.
8. Cutting the cake: When the cake is almost done, take it out of the oven and, using a knife dipped in hot water, cut it into squares. This simple trick will help you achieve clean cuts and prevent crumbling.
9. Pouring the syrup: After cutting the cake, gently pour the warm syrup over it, ensuring it reaches the entire surface.
10. Finishing the baking: Place the dish back in the oven for another 10 minutes to allow the cake to absorb the syrup and caramelize slightly.
11. Serving: Once the cake is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. You can top it with whipped cream and toasted, chopped almonds or hazelnuts for an extra texture and flavor.
Suggestions and Variations
- You can add a few drops of almond essence to the cake mixture for a more refined taste.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the sugar in the syrup with honey or a natural sweetener.
- Serve the cake alongside a warm drink, such as mint tea or coffee, for a pleasant contrast.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Coconut provides healthy fats, while yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use instead of yogurt?
You can use cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- How can I store the cake?
It keeps well at room temperature, covered to prevent drying out, for a few days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to try this delicious cake. Whether you decide to make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, Harisi will surely bring smiles to the faces of everyone who enjoys it. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 200 g coconut, 1 pack of semolina, 500 g, 150 g melted butter, 2 large yogurt containers 375 g, 2 baking powders, 3 packets of vanilla sugar. For the syrup: 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, juice of one lemon. Baking tray 25/30.
