As I walked into the Lebanese restaurant in Denver, the warm aroma of spices and freshly baked goods greeted me. My eyes scanned the dessert display, and I couldn’t help but notice a bright yellow cake, sprinkled with powdered sugar and garnished with pistachios. Curious, I asked the waiter about the cake, and he informed me that it was a Lebanese semolina turmeric cake (aka sfouf).
The unique combination of ingredients intrigued me, so I decided to order a slice. The cake was moist and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complemented the earthy flavor of turmeric. The pistachios added a delightful crunch and nuttiness to each bite.
Lebanese semolina turmeric cake is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. Its vibrant yellow color comes from turmeric, which is not only a flavorful spice but also has numerous health benefits. This cake is typically served during special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivals, but can also be enjoyed as an everyday treat.
As I took my first bite, the unique flavor and texture of the cake amazed me. The semolina gave it a slightly gritty texture, while the turmeric added a subtle earthiness that was complemented by the sweetness of the sugar. It was unlike any cake I had ever tasted before. The old man told me that the cake was often served during special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivals.
As I was sitting in the Lebanese restaurant, enjoying a delicious slice of semolina turmeric cake, a stray dog wandered into the restaurant, and chaos ensued. Initially, the dog seemed friendly and harmless, wagging its tail and sniffing around the tables. However, as it got closer to the kitchen, it started barking loudly and aggressively. The restaurant staff tried to shoo it away, but it refused to leave. In the meantime, the staff tried to keep the dog calm by offering it some food and water. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, animal control arrived and safely removed the dog from the restaurant.
I absolutely loved the semolina turmeric cake that I had at a local bakery last week. It was so delicious that I couldn’t resist asking the owner for the recipe. To my surprise, the owner agreed to share the recipe with me, and I couldn’t be more excited to try it out at home.
I asked the owner about the ingredients and the preparation process and was more than happy to provide me with all the details. He even gave me some tips and tricks to make the cake perfect every time. For this cake, you will need semolina flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, turmeric powder, salt, milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and almonds.
When I make this cake, I love to serve it with a variety of dishes that complement its unique flavor. Here are a few of my favorite options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of fresh fruit pairs perfectly with the slightly savory flavor of the cake. I like to use a mix of berries, melon, and citrus fruits to create a colorful and refreshing salad.
- Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt on top of a slice of cake adds a creamy, tangy contrast that balances out the cake’s sweetness. I prefer Greek yogurt for its thick consistency and rich flavor.
- Mint Tea: To round out the meal, I like to serve mint tea alongside the cake. The refreshing flavor of the tea helps to cleanse the palate between bites and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
Overall, the semolina turmeric cake is a versatile dish that you can serve with various complementary flavors. Whether you prefer sweet or savory options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this unique and delicious cake.
Ingredients
I love making this cake because it’s a delicious and unique dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. To make this cake, you’ll need the following dry ingredients:
- 1 cup of fine semolina
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
I like to use orange blossom water in my semolina turmeric cake because it adds a subtle, floral flavor that complements the turmeric perfectly. You can find orange blossom water at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!
How to make Lebanese semolina turmeric cake (aka sfouf)?
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter. Then, I dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess. This ensures that the cake won’t stick to the pan and will have a nice crust on the outside.
- Next, I mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. I use 1 1/2 cups of semolina flour, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. I whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, I mix the wet ingredients. I use 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I whisk the wet ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Then, I pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth. I make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure that everything is well combined.
- After preparing the pan, I proceed to pour the batter and use a spatula to even out the surface. Then, I bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick reveals no residue.
- Once the cake is done, I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, I dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this cake, there are a few options that can elevate the dessert to the next level. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:
- Honey and Pistachios: Drizzle some honey over the cake and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. The sweetness of the honey complements the earthy flavor of the turmeric, while the pistachios add a nice crunch.
- Rosewater Whipped Cream: Whip some heavy cream with a splash of rosewater and a tablespoon of sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Serve a dollop of the whipped cream on top of each slice of cake. The floral notes of the rosewater pair well with the fragrant turmeric.
- Fresh Berries: Top the cake with a handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the cake.
- Greek Yogurt: Serve a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side of each slice of cake. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a creamy texture.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the semolina turmeric cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy!
Conclusion
After trying out the Lebanese semolina turmeric cake recipe, I can confidently say that it is a unique and delicious dessert worth trying. The cake has a distinctive taste and texture that is unlike any other cake I’ve had before.
The combination of semolina, turmeric, and sugar creates a sweet and savory flavor that is both satisfying and refreshing. The cake is also very moist and has a slightly crumbly texture that adds to its appeal.
One thing I appreciated about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. I also liked how versatile the cake is – you can have it as a dessert or a snack, and it pairs well with tea or coffee.
Overall, I would highly recommend giving this Lebanese semolina turmeric cake (aka sfouf) a try. It’s a unique and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the flavors of Lebanese cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.
