How to Make Egyptian Basboosa

Basboosa is a traditional semolina cake from Egypt. It's made with only a few ingredients, but the result is a rich and indulgent dessert that is a great ending to a spicy meal. It's served with a sweet honey syrup and tastes even better after being stored overnight.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups semolina
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup 2-percent milk
• Large jelly roll pan
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh honey

Instructions

Semolina Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix the semolina, flour, sugar, honey and baking powder in a small bowl.

3. Slowly stir in the oil until well blended to make a thick batter.

4. Stir in the milk and combine thoroughly.

5. Brush the pan with butter.

6. Pour the entire semolina mixture onto the greased pan and press down to level it. Shake the tray to ensure it is even.

7. Bake for 30 minutes until light brown in color.

8. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately cut it into diamond shapes or rectangles.

9. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until firm.

10. Remove the cake from the oven and pour sugar syrup over it.

11. Let the basboosa sit for at least one hour before serving.

Honey Syrup

1. Peel the lemon and set the rind aside on a small plate. Juice the lemon into a cup.

2. Mix the sugar, lemon juice and water together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add lemon rind and boil the mixture until the lemon rind becomes tough.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the honey. Mix thoroughly and let it cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve with a side of whipped cream.

• Store covered in refrigerator.

• Add pistachios or almonds for variation.

• Syrup will look runny at first, but will thicken as it cools.

References

• Kwintessential: Egyptian Desserts