Basbousa

Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet cake made from cooked semolina. Coconut is a popular addition.

For the syrup

1. 3 ½ cups of sugar
2. 3 ½ cups of water
3. 2 table spoon of lemon juice

For the Dough

1. 1 cup of yoghurt
2. 1 cup of sugar
3. 1 orange
4. 1 cup of flour
5. 1 cup of semolina
6. ½ cup of shredded coconut
7. ½ cup oil
8. 3 eggs
9. 2 spoon baking powder

Preparation of syrup

Dissolve sugar in water in a medium saucepan. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil. Once the syrup begins to boil. Reduce heat and allow to slowly boil for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour the baking dish.
• Mix butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs.
• In a separate bowl, combine semolina, baking powder and coconut
• Slowly add to butter and egg mixture.
• Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth with spoon.
• Cut to square shapes. Place an almond in the center of each diamond. Bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove cake from oven and pour syrup over cake. Allow to cool for 20 minutes.