Basbousa with Coconut and Orange Juice is one of the most famous traditional Middle Eastern sweets. This version combines a wonderful taste with health benefits. With rich ingredients such as semolina flour and coconut, this dessert offers multiple benefits, including promoting digestive health thanks to its fiber content and boosting immunity with the Vitamin C found in orange juice. It also contains healthy fats from vegetable ghee, which help improve heart and artery health. Additionally, it provides energy thanks to the sugar and almonds or hazelnuts, which are rich in proteins and vitamins. Basbousa with coconut and orange juice is the perfect choice for a delicious and healthy dessert at the same time. This recipe is not only delicious but also suitable for vegetarians, as it is made with vegetable ghee instead of animal products. Try this special basbousa to enjoy a tasty and healthy dessert that fits different dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semolina flour
- ¼ cup coconut
- ½ cup vegetable ghee
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons almonds or hazelnuts
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
To Prepare the Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 packet vanilla
Preparation Method:
- Prepare a round baking tray and grease it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: semolina flour, coconut, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the vegetable ghee and mix well until the mixture is evenly combined, then add the orange juice and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Pour the dough into the prepared tray and spread it evenly using your hands, dampened with a little water. Sprinkle almonds or hazelnuts on top. Bake in a preheated oven at medium temperature for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- To prepare the syrup, combine sugar and water in a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Add the ghee and vanilla and stir until the ghee dissolves completely.
- Once the basbousa is out of the oven, pour the hot syrup over it and let it soak. Serve it warm or cold, as desired.
Suggested Additions:
- You can decorate the basbousa with crushed pistachios instead of almonds or hazelnuts.
- You can add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to the syrup for a distinctive flavor.
Note:
- This recipe is not suitable for individuals who are allergic to nuts or coconut.
- Individuals following a low-sugar or gluten-free diet should avoid this recipe.
Health Benefits of Ingredients:
- Semolina Flour: Contains fiber that helps improve digestion and regulate bowel movement. It is also a good source of carbohydrates, providing the body with energy.
- Coconut: Rich in healthy fats that contribute to heart health, and contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
- Vegetable Ghee: Contains unsaturated fats that support heart health and assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Baking Powder: Helps improve the texture of the dough and contributes to making the dessert light and easy to digest.
- Sugar: A quick source of energy, but it is recommended to consume it in moderation to support daily activity.
- Almonds or Hazelnuts: Contain healthy fats and proteins, and are a good source of vitamins and magnesium, which promotes skin and hair health.
- Orange Juice: Rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, acts as an antioxidant, helps with iron absorption, and improves skin health.
- Salt: Essential for regulating fluid balance in the body and maintaining muscle and nerve function.
In summary, these ingredients contribute to improving digestive health, boosting immunity, and strengthening bones and hair, making the coconut and orange juice basbousa a beneficial dietary choice.
Nutritional Values and Calories:
- 2 Cups Semolina Flour:
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 120 g
- 1/4 Cup Coconut:
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Ghee:
- Calories: 900 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 100 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder:
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- 1 Cup Sugar:
- Calories: 774 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- 2 Tablespoons Almonds or Hazelnuts:
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- 1/2 Cup Orange Juice:
- Calories: 56 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- 1 Cup Water:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- 2 Tablespoons Ghee:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Vanilla Packet:
- Calories: 12 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
Total Nutritional Values:
- Calories: 2768 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 145 g
- Carbohydrates: 347 g
These nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the type and quality of ingredients used.