Basboosa II

This is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made of semolina flour, yogurt, and coconut. To adjust the sweetness, you can half or double the amount of sugar in the lemon syrup.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 299 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups semolina flour
• ¼ cup milk, or as needed
• ¼ cup whole almonds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square baking dish.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the semolina flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar, coconut and butter. Add the yogurt and milk; mix until moistened but not runny or liquid. If you see that it is too dry, add more milk. Spread into a greased 8 inch square baking dish, smoothing the top as much as possible. Decorate the top with whole almonds.

Step 3

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. While the basboosa is baking, combine the water, 1 cup of sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4

When the basboosa has finished baking, pour the syrup over it as evenly as possible. Place it back in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the syrup has been fully absorbed. Let rest for about 20 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.