I absolutely adore Lebanese namoura. This sweet and moist cake is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is a must-have at any gathering or celebration. The cake is made with semolina flour, which gives it a unique texture and is soaked in a sweet syrup that infuses each bite with a burst of flavor.
One of the things I love most about Lebanese namoura is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a breakfast pastry. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and the sweetness of the cake is balanced out by the nutty flavor of the semolina flour. In Lebanon, locals often serve namoura during Ramadan and other religious holidays, but it’s also a popular treat year-round.
If you’ve never tried Lebanese namoura before, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious desserts out there. The cake is easy to make at home, and there are countless variations and recipes to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, namoura is a dessert that anyone can enjoy.
One morning, my son and I visited a Lebanese bakery in Los Angeles. As we went over their cake selection, my eyes landed on the Lebanese namoura, a traditional semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup. I decided to buy it and give it a try.
After a little while, a friendly young employee brought it to me. The cake was golden brown, and the top was decorated with blanched almonds. As I took a bite, I was struck by the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The cake was moist, but not too dense, and the syrup added a delightful sweetness.
I was so impressed that I decided to request the recipe from the owner. After some convincing, the owner agreed to give it to me. Here are the ingredients the recipe contained: semolina flour, granulated sugar, ghee, milk, baking powder, tahini, almonds, water, orange blossoms water, and lemon juice.
I was excited to try making the namoura at home using the recipe. With the help of the friendly bakery owner, I was able to recreate the same delicious cake that I had tasted at the bakery.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing this cake, there are a variety of options that can complement its sweet and nutty flavors. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:
- Turkish Coffee: The strong, bitter taste of Turkish coffee is a perfect match for the sweetness of namoura. The coffee’s bold flavor cuts through the dessert’s richness, leaving a satisfying finish.
- Mint Tea: For a lighter pairing, try serving namoura with a cup of fresh mint tea. The tea’s refreshing taste helps balance out the dessert’s sweetness, making it a great choice for those who prefer less intense flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad can be a great accompaniment to namoura. The tartness of the fruit helps cut through the dessert’s richness, while the sweetness of the namoura complements the fruit’s natural flavors.
- Ice Cream: For a decadent pairing, serve namoura with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The smooth, cold ice cream feels different from the warm, crumbly dessert, creating a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
- Pistachios: Add a little extra crunch to your namoura by sprinkling some crushed pistachios on top. The nutty flavor of the pistachios pairs perfectly with the dessert’s rich, sweet taste, making it a great choice for those who love bold, intense flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of coarse semolina flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of melted ghee
- ¾ cup of whole or 2% milk
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 2 tbsp of tahini
- ¼ cup of blanched almonds or as needed
For the simple syrup:
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of orange blossom water
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
How to make Lebanese namoura?
- Begin by blending semolina, sugar, and ghee in a stand mixer bowl until they mix well. Then, pour in milk and baking powder and keep mixing until the batter forms.
- Then, cover the mix and let it sit for 45 minutes. This helps the semolina soften up.
- While the mix is chilling, create the syrup. Mix sugar and water in a small pot over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add orange blossom water and lemon juice, then transfer the syrup to a heatproof container to cool down.
- Now, heat the oven to 350°F. Spread tahini on the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish. Pour the batter into the dish and use damp hands to spread it out evenly.
- Next, slice the semolina cake into diamond shapes. Make 5 lengthwise cuts and 8 crosswise cuts on a diagonal, then pop an almond into each diamond. Finally, bake the namoura until it turns golden brown, around 40 minutes.
- Right after taking it out of the oven, pour the chilled syrup onto the hot semolina cake. Let the cake cool for at least an hour before serving.
Variations of Lebanese Namoura
As a popular Lebanese dessert, namoura has various versions across the country. Each region has its own unique twist on the traditional recipe, resulting in different flavors and textures. Here are some of the variations of Lebanese namoura that I have tried and enjoyed:
1. Pistachio Namoura
Pistachio namoura is a nutty twist on the classic recipe. Chopped pistachios are added to the batter, giving it a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. This variation is perfect for those who love pistachios and want to add some extra crunch to their dessert.
2. Coconut Namoura
Coconut namoura is a tropical twist on the traditional recipe. Grated coconut is added to the batter, giving it a chewy texture and a sweet, coconut-like flavor. This variation is perfect for those who love coconut and want to try something new and exotic.
3. Chocolate Namoura
For chocolate lovers, this variation of namoura is a must-try. Cocoa powder is added to the batter, giving it a rich, chocolatey flavor. This version is perfect for those who want to indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and Lebanese namoura.
Conclusion
I must say, Lebanese namoura is truly a delightful dessert that everyone should try. The combination of the sweet syrup and the nutty flavor of the semolina cake is simply irresistible.
Throughout my research, I have learned that namoura is not only popular in Lebanon but also in other Middle Eastern countries. However, each region has its own unique twist to this classic dessert.
I highly recommend trying namoura with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea. It’s a perfect way to end a meal or enjoy as a snack with friends and family.
In conclusion, namoura is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves sweet treats. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a popular choice among many cultures. So, next time you have the chance to try namoura, don’t hesitate and indulge in its sweet goodness.
By the way, this cake can be a perfect dessert after having fish kebabs.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
