Lebanese semolina cake (namoura)
This cake, made with simple ingredients like semolina, sugar, and yogurt, it is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The final touch of syrup adds a luscious sweetness that makes this cake truly irresistible.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan with butter or oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, yogurt, sugar, melted butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Decorate the top with almonds or pistachios, pressing them lightly into the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top looks golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Let it boil for another 8-10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot cake. Allow it to soak in and cool to room temperature.
Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve. Enjoy your Lebanese semolina cake!
Notes
This cake has serveral versions. It can be made with milk and eggs instead of yogurt, some people add dessicated coconut, others flavor with vanilla exract and some more add tahini.
For adults, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of ouzo.
Variations
Orange blossom delight: Substitute the lemon juice in the syrup with orange juice and add a teaspoon of orange blossom water for a refreshing citrus twist. Decorate with thinly sliced orange rind.
Spiced honey: Replace the regular syrup with one made from honey and spices. Boil 1 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of water, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves. This will impart a warm, spiced flavor to the cake.
Nutty caramel: Toast some chopped hazelnuts or walnuts and mix them into the batter. For the syrup, use brown sugar instead of white sugar to create a rich caramel flavor.
Berry infusion: Add a handful of fresh or dried berries to the batter for a fruity burst in every bite. Alternatively, you can prepare a berry syrup by simmering berries with sugar and water, then straining before use.
Chocolate chip: Mix in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the syrup.
Matcha green tea: Add 1-2 tablespoons of matcha powder to the batter and enjoy the subtle, earthy flavors of green tea combined with the moist, sweet cake.
Source
Food in Asia