Basbousa
HB-0179 · Hand-built original · Bahraini
Tender and moist beneath its golden crust, it is scented with fragrant rose water and crowned with crunchy almonds. Simple to make yet quietly luxurious, it is the kind of treat that appears at celebrations, family gatherings and afternoons over coffee. Bring a taste of Bahraini hospitality into your own kitchen.
BahrainiDessert1–2 servings1250 kcalVegetarianEgg-free
Main ingredient: semolina
Pairs well with: coffee, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, whipped cream
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 3½ oz coarse semolina
- 3½ oz granulated sugar
- 6½ Tbsp plain yogurt
- 3½ Tbsp neutral oil, plus more for the dish
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- About 12 blanched almonds, to decorate
- For the syrup: 3½ oz granulated sugar
- For the syrup: 6½ Tbsp water
- For the syrup: 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)
Method
- Make the syrup first: combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and rose water if using, then set aside to cool completely.
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a small ovenproof dish, about 7 inches across.
- In a bowl, stir together the semolina, sugar, and baking powder. Add the yogurt, oil, rose water, and vanilla if using, and mix just until a thick, even batter forms. Rest for 10 minutes so the semolina absorbs the liquid.
- Spread the batter evenly in the dish and score diamond or square shapes lightly on the surface. Press a blanched almond into the center of each piece.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until risen, firm, and deep golden around the edges.
- Re-cut along the scored lines, then pour the cold syrup slowly and evenly over the hot cake.
- Leave to absorb for at least 30 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature. For a larger batch, multiply all quantities and use a proportionally larger pan.
Nutrition (per serving, where published)
1250 kcalCalories
15.3 gProtein
179.4 gCarbs
53.8 gFat
9.7 gSaturates
3.2 gFibre
0.3 gSugars
564 mgSodium
14 mgCholesterol
343 mgPotassium
431 mgCalcium
2.2 mgIron
1 servingServing
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data