Palestinian Spiced Semolina Cake

Ingredients

In this Palestinian adaptation, the traditional Mexican Bizcochito is transformed into a spiced semolina cake infused with za'atar, a popular Middle Eastern spice blend. The original recipe's ingredients and flavors are modified to suit the Palestinian cuisine, giving it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Bizcochito, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) semolina flour 2 cups (250g) semolina flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons za'atar 2 tablespoons za'atar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
• 1/4 cup (60g) honey 1/4 cup (60g) honey
• 1 tablespoon rose water 1 tablespoon rose water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 25g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the semolina flour, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, yogurt, za'atar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. 3.
   Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. 4.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. 5.
   While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the melted butter, honey, rose water, lemon juice, and orange blossom water in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
6. 6.
   Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
7. 7.
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Semolina flour — Make sure to use fine semolina flour for the best texture in the cake.
• Za'atar — Use a high-quality za'atar blend for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can make your own by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense za'atar flavor, sprinkle some extra za'atar on top of the cake before baking.
• Serve the cake warm with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or syrup according to your taste.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Palestinian Spiced Semolina Cake as a dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a breakfast cake alongside some fresh fruits and yogurt.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers.