Top Health Benefits of Basbousa You Need to Know

Basbousa, a traditional Middle Eastern semolina cake, offers a rich source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content, primarily from semolina and sugar. The semolina, a type of wheat flour, provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, the cake often includes yogurt, which is a good source of protein and calcium, promoting bone health. The inclusion of coconut in some versions adds a touch of healthy fats, which are important for maintaining heart health and supporting the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Though delicious, it's important to note that the high sugar content makes Basbousa a calorie-dense dessert, and it should be consumed in moderation. The presence of almonds or pistachios for decoration further boosts its nutritional value, adding beneficial fats, protein, and antioxidants that can help protect the body from oxidative stress.

Ingredients :

Semolina : 1 1/2 Cup

Sugar : 1 1/2 Cup

Plain Yogurt : 1 Cup

Cooking Oil : 1/2 Cup

Baking Powder : 1 Teaspoon

Vanilla : 1/2 Teaspoon

Coconut powder : 2 Tablespoon

Almonds : to taste

Water : 1 Cup

Rosewater : 1 Tablespoon

Lemon Juice : 5 drops

Basbousa – a soft, syrup-soaked semolina cake that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East with every bite!

Recipe :

For 4 people

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

Mix sugar(1/2 cup) and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent crystallization.
Let it boil for about 10 minutes, then add rosewater (optional) and remove from heat.
Allow the syrup to cool completely.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine semolina, sugar(1 cup), baking powder, vanilla, and coconut powder (optional).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add yogurt and vegetable oil to the dry mixture and stir until you have a smooth, soft batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Cake Pan

Grease the cake pan with oil or butter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
If desired, decorate with almonds or pistachios on top.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Add the Syrup

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup over it.
Allow the basbousa to rest for at least 1 hour to absorb the syrup.

Step 8: Serve

Cut the basbousa into small squares and garnish with coconut or pistachios.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Basbousa!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Basbousa

When making Basbousa, it is essential to follow a few key steps to ensure the cake turns out perfect. First, the syrup should be allowed to cool completely before pouring it over the cake to prevent the cake from becoming soggy. The cake batter must be mixed gently to ensure it remains light and airy, avoiding overmixing, which can make it dense. Properly greasing the pan or lining it with parchment paper helps in easy removal once baked. The baking time is critical—overbaking can result in a dry cake, while underbaking can leave it too soft and uncooked inside. Always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it's fully cooked before taking it out of the oven. The cake should be allowed to rest for at least an hour after being topped with syrup, allowing it to soak up the sweetness and achieve the signature moist texture.

Nutritional Information and Diet Compatibility of Basbousa

While Basbousa is a delicious treat, it may not be suitable for all dietary needs. For those following a ketogenic diet, this cake is not ideal because of its high carbohydrate content, particularly from semolina and sugar. The Paleo diet also doesn’t align well with Basbousa, as it includes processed sugars and dairy ingredients like yogurt, which are not permitted in the Paleo lifestyle. Similarly, for individuals on a low-calorie diet, Basbousa can be calorie-dense due to its sugar and fat content, making it a less suitable choice unless portions are carefully controlled. For those following gluten-free or vegan diets, modifications can be made to adapt the recipe. For a gluten-free version, substitute the semolina with a gluten-free flour blend, and for a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and avoid any dairy. While vegetarian diets can easily include Basbousa, those on low-protein or low-sugar diets may want to avoid it or adjust the recipe to reduce sugar and fat content. Lastly, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and fasting regimens would typically not incorporate Basbousa due to its high sugar content, which may interfere with blood pressure management or fasting goals.