Basbousa

Basbousa: An Oriental Delicacy with a Touch of Coconut and Aromatic Syrup

Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh or Revani, is a traditional dessert that blends sweetness with a moist texture and an unmistakable coconut flavor. This cake is a perfect choice for moments when you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in something special. Its story is lost in the mists of time, but it is known to have been enjoyed in various cultures, becoming a symbol of hospitality. Let’s discover together how to prepare a delicious basbousa!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup (approximately 200g) of grated coconut
- 1 cup (approximately 120g) of powdered milk
- 1 cup (approximately 200g) of sugar
- 1 cup (approximately 200g) of semolina
- 1/2 cup (approximately 100ml) of oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (approximately 200g) of yogurt
- 1/2 cup (approximately 60g) of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

For the syrup:
- 3 cups (approximately 600g) of sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (approximately 375ml) of water
- a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 230 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is essential that all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a good mixing of the batter. When choosing the coconut, opt for the unsweetened version for a more balanced flavor.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated coconut, flour, powdered milk, semolina, and baking powder. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly integrated. This mixture will be the base of your cake and will add extra flavor.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the yogurt and egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. The yogurt will add moisture, and the egg will help bind the ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporating the Oil and Cinnamon
Add the oil gradually while continuing to mix. The oil will not only improve the texture of the cake but will also provide a delicious flavor. Then, add the cinnamon, which will give a pleasant aroma and a warm note to the dessert. If you notice that the batter is too thick, feel free to add a little extra oil to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Preparing the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula, ensuring it is even.

Step 6: Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Check the cake using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 7: Preparing the Syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Allow it to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup begins to thicken. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.

Step 8: Assembly
Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Pour the warm syrup over the warm cake. Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for a few hours (or even overnight) to allow the syrup to be fully absorbed.

Serving and Suggestions
Basbousa is served cut into squares or diamonds, and for an elegant touch, you can decorate it with almonds or toasted nuts. It is delicious alongside a cup of mint tea or aromatic coffee.

Possible Variations
For a tropical note, you can add pieces of pineapple or mango to the batter. Also, for a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a mixture of flaxseed or banana.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of oil?
Of course! Sunflower oil or olive oil are excellent options.

2. How can I store basbousa?
Basbousa stores well at room temperature, covered with a damp towel, for a few days. You can also freeze it, but make sure it is well covered to prevent drying out.

3. Is it possible to use another type of flour?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be different.

Conclusion
Basbousa is a simple and delicious dessert that brings a touch of tradition to your table. With each bite, you will feel the richness of coconut flavors and the sweetness of the syrup, making this dessert an ideal choice for any occasion. Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones, because food becomes truly special when enjoyed in the company of those close to you. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 cup coconut, 1 cup powdered milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup semolina, 1/2 cup oil, 1 egg, 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup white flour, 2 baking powders, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Syrup: 3 cups sugar, 1 cup and a half water, a few drops of squeezed lemon.