130min 4 ppl
Basbousa
61 minutes
4 people
Hardover 60 min or 12+ steps
61 min · 9 steps
Hard: over 60 min or 12+ steps
480 kcalper person
Protein 8g
Carbs 68g
Fats 20g
About this dish
This Egyptian semolina cake bakes into a dense, golden slab that is scored into diamonds before it ever sees the oven, then soaked the moment it comes out with a warm lemon and rosewater syrup. A few flaked almonds pressed into the top toast alongside the cake, giving every piece a bit of crunch against the syrup-soaked crumb.
Allergy Info
Dairy, Gluten, Tree Nuts
Diet Info
Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- Lemon juicefor syrup1 tsp
Dairy & Eggs
- Full-Fat Plain Yogurt200 g
- Unsalted buttermelted100 g
Dried Goods
- Fine semolina250 g
- Caster sugarfor the cake100 g
- Baking powder1.5 tsp
- Flaked Almondsfor topping20 g
- Caster sugar (for syrup)200 g
- Waterfor syrup150 ml
Spices & Seasonings
- Fine sea salt0.25 tsp
Oils & Condiments
- Rosewater1 tsp
Utensils
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan
Method
1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and butter a 20 by 20cm baking tin.
Approx. 3 minutes
2
Stir the semolina, cake sugar, baking powder and salt together in a mixing bowl.
Approx. 4 minutes
3
Add the yogurt and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a thick, spoonable batter forms.
Approx. 5 minutes
4
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared tin and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Approx. 3 minutes
5
Score the batter into diamond shapes with a sharp knife and press a few flaked almonds onto the surface.
Approx. 5 minutes
6
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and just firm to the touch.
Approx. 30 minutes
7
Combine the syrup sugar, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 6 minutes until slightly syrupy.
Approx. 6 minutes
8
Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the rosewater.
Approx. 2 minutes
9
Pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, then leave to soak for at least 1 hour before cutting along the scored lines to serve.
Approx. 3 minutes
