Experience the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern cuisine with this easy-to-follow recipe for a delicious and fragrant Middle Eastern orange cake. It will transport you to a small Middle Eastern restaurant in Columbus, where an old Israeli woman shared her family’s recipe with me as an appreciative customer. With just a few simple ingredients and some essential cooking equipment, you can create this flavorful and satisfying dessert in the comfort of your own home!
The morning I was in a Middle Eastern restaurant in Columbus was an unforgettable experience. I and a few of my friends were there to try some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and we were in for a treat. Additionally, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with spices and herbs filling the air.
As we finished our meal, the waitress brought a plate of orange cake for dessert. She presented the cake beautifully, with a light, fluffy texture and a delicate orange flavor that was sweet and citrusy.
As we were relishing our dessert, an unexpected loud crash startled us from the other side of the restaurant. Upon closer inspection, we noticed that a customer had carelessly broken a piece of decorative pottery. Consequently, the owner of the restaurant – an old Israeli woman – quickly made her way over to see what had happened.
Despite the chaos, she remained calm and collected, reassuring the customer that everything was fine and that accidents happen. Furthermore, she even joked that breaking a piece of pottery in a Middle Eastern restaurant was good luck.
After the commotion, I decided to ask the owner if she would be willing to share the recipe for the orange cake. At first, she seemed hesitant, telling me that it was her family recipe. However, after a bit of convincing and some compliments about how delicious the cake was, she agreed to share the recipe with me.
The orange cake features the essence of two large organic oranges, providing a citrusy burst. It incorporates almond flour for a delicate nuttiness, along with a mixture of water, raw honey, and coconut sugar for balanced sweetness. A hint of vanilla adds aromatic charm, while eggs bind the ingredients for a moist texture. The cake is further enhanced by the juice of a large orange, ground cardamom for warm flavor, chopped pistachios for crunch, and a pinch of salt for balance.
When it comes to serving this orange cake, there are several delightful accompaniments that can elevate its flavor and presentation. For example:
Rosewater Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of rosewater and a hint of powdered sugar to create a fragrant and light topping that pairs beautifully with the orange flavors of the cake.
Greek Yogurt: Serve a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side for a refreshing contrast. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a creamy texture.
Fresh Berries: Garnish the cake with a handful of fresh berries. such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. Their vibrant colors and natural sweetness create a visually appealing and delicious combination.
Honey Mascarpone: Whip together mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey to create a luxurious and creamy topping. Spread it over the cake or serve it on the side for a decadent twist.
Turkish Tea: Accompany the cake with a cup of traditional Turkish tea. The earthy and aromatic notes of the tea complement the cake’s flavors and create a well-rounded experience.
Arabic Coffee: Pair the cake with a cup of rich and aromatic Arabic coffee. The strong flavors of the coffee complement the cake’s sweetness and create a harmonious combination.
Remember, these suggestions are just a starting point. You can mix and match them to suit your personal preferences and creativity. In other words, the goal is to enhance this cake experience and create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Here is how I created the orange cake at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 large organic oranges
- 250 grams of almond flour
- 500 ml of water
- 85 grams of raw honey
- 115 grams of coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 6 pieces of eggs
- 1/2 juice of large orange
- 30 seeds of ground cardamom pods
- 65 grams of chopped and shelled pistachios
- A pinch of salt
How to create Middle Eastern orange cake?
- Begin by inserting a cooking pot into the unit, followed by 2 oranges and 500ml of water. Secure the pressure lid and turn the vent to the ‘SEAL’ position. Next, select PRESSURE, HI, and set the time to 15 minutes. Once the cooking is finished, carefully release the pressure manually.
- Remove the oranges from the cooking pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the food processor. Allow the cake ingredients to cool for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients in the specified order. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Empty the water from the cooking pot and wipe it clean. Grease and line a 6.5″ x 3.5″ springform or loose-based round cake tin and pour the batter in. Place the cake tin onto the wire rack in the lower position, then place it into the unit and close the lid.
- Select BAKE/ROAST, set the temperature to 180°C, and the time to 1 hour and 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the cake with tin foil, shiny side up. When the metal skewer is put into the middle of the cake, it should come out hot, signaling that it is done baking. However, due to its moisture, it will generally not be clean.
- Once the cake is finished baking, please remove it from the unit and leave it to cool in the tin. While the cake is cooling, place all of the ingredients for the syrup into a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, frequently stirring until the honey dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Using a skewer, poke many holes into the cake, then pour the syrup. Top with chopped pistachios, if desired, and press down firmly to help them stick to the top. Leave the cake to cool completely in the tin before cutting and serving.
Note: storing the freshness and flavor of your orange cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator is recommended. Store the cake this way for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy it as a delicious dessert or snack throughout the week. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
To sum up, the Middle Eastern orange cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. Try making it at home and experience the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern cuisine. Happy baking!
