Basbousa cake with yogurt is one of the most famous Eastern desserts, known for its amazing taste and delicious, moist texture. It is made from simple ingredients like semolina, flour, yogurt, and butter, which makes it rich in benefits. Semolina is a good source of energy due to its complex carbohydrates, while yogurt helps improve digestive health due to its probiotics and calcium content. Eggs provide protein and essential vitamins like vitamin D and B12, which support overall health. The syrup made from sugar and lemon juice adds a touch of health benefits, thanks to lemon's immune-boosting properties. Follow along to learn how to prepare this wonderful cake with simple steps and easily available ingredients.

Ingredients:

1. 1 ½ cups of semolina
2. 1 cup of flour
3. 2 eggs
4. 1 cup of sugar
5. 2 cups of yogurt
6. 1 cup of butter or ghee
7. 2 teaspoons of baking powder
8. 1 teaspoon of vanilla

For the syrup (honey):

1. 1 cup of sugar
2. 2 cups of water
3. Juice of half a lemon

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until they turn white and frothy. Then add the yogurt, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and whisk again.
2. Add the flour, semolina, baking powder, and vanilla, and continue whisking. Pour the batter into a 25 x 35 cm baking dish and bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 170°C.
3. To prepare the syrup, mix the water and sugar in a pot and let it boil over high heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the syrup starts boiling, add the juice of half a lemon and let it boil for another 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
5. After the cake has cooled, pour the warm syrup over it. Let it rest for a few hours until the cake fully absorbs the syrup. Cut into squares and serve, garnished as desired.

Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is perfect for dessert lovers looking for a delicious and distinctive Eastern taste. However, it should be avoided by people with gluten allergies or those following a low-sugar diet.

Health Benefits:

• Semolina: A good source of complex carbohydrates that provide energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Yogurt: Rich in calcium and probiotics, which help enhance bone health and improve digestive health.
• Eggs: Contain high-quality protein, vitamin D which promotes bone health, and vitamin B12, which is important for nervous system health.
• Flour: Provides dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain heart health.
• Butter or Ghee: Contains fatty acids that promote skin health and provide energy to the body.
• Vanilla: A good source of antioxidants that help fight inflammation and improve skin health.
• Baking Powder: Helps make the cake fluffy and contributes to regulating the pH level of the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can yogurt substitutes be used in this recipe? Yes, you can use plant-based yogurt like coconut yogurt or lactose-free yogurt. These substitutes will ensure the same texture and moisture for the cake.

2. Can gluten-free flour be used? Yes, regular flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour such as rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, you should be cautious with the amount of flour you add, as some gluten-free flours absorb liquids more than others.

3. How can the cake be stored properly? You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. How many servings can be made from this amount? This recipe yields approximately 16 pieces of cake, depending on the size of the slices you cut.

5. Can the sugar amount be reduced or replaced with a healthier alternative? Yes, you can reduce the sugar amount or substitute it with honey or stevia. You can try cutting the sugar by half for a less sweet taste.

6. Is this recipe suitable for people following a vegan or dairy-free diet? Yes, the recipe can be adjusted to suit a vegan or dairy-free diet by using plant-based yogurt and vegan butter substitutes.

7. Can butter or ghee substitutes be used in the recipe? Yes, as mentioned earlier, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter.

8. Can other ingredients like nuts or fruits be added? And if so, how will it affect the texture or flavor? Yes, you can add nuts such as almonds or pistachios, which will add a rich flavor and increase the nutritional value. Adding dried fruits like raisins will provide an extra touch of sweetness.

9. How long can the cake be consumed after preparation? The cake can be eaten within 2-3 days if stored properly, and if refrigerated, it can be consumed within a week.

Caloric and Nutritional Values:

1. Semolina (1 ½ cups = 180g)
   • Calories: 600 kcal
   • Protein: 18g
   • Carbohydrates: 120g
   • Fat: 2g
   • Fiber: 4g
2. Flour (1 cup = 120g)
   • Calories: 400 kcal
   • Protein: 10g
   • Carbohydrates: 85g
   • Fat: 1g
   • Fiber: 3g
3. Eggs (2 eggs)
   • Calories: 140 kcal
   • Protein: 12g
   • Carbohydrates: 1g
   • Fat: 10g
   • Fiber: 0g
4. Sugar (1 cup = 200g)
   • Calories: 800 kcal
   • Protein: 0g
   • Carbohydrates: 200g
   • Fat: 0g
   • Fiber: 0g
5. Yogurt (2 cups = 400g)
   • Calories: 240 kcal
   • Protein: 14g
   • Carbohydrates: 16g
   • Fat: 12g
   • Fiber: 0g
6. Butter or Ghee (1 cup = 220g)
   • Calories: 1600 kcal
   • Protein: 0g
   • Carbohydrates: 0g
   • Fat: 180g
   • Fiber: 0g
7. Baking Powder (2 teaspoons = 8g)
   • Calories: 10 kcal
   • Protein: 0g
   • Carbohydrates: 2g
   • Fat: 0g
   • Fiber: 0g
8. Vanilla (1 teaspoon = 4g)
   • Calories: 12 kcal
   • Protein: 0g
   • Carbohydrates: 3g
   • Fat: 0g
   • Fiber: 0g

Syrup Ingredients:

• Sugar (1 cup = 200g)
  • Calories: 800 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 200g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
• Water (2 cups = 480g)
  • No calories or nutrients
• Lemon Juice (½ lemon)
  • Calories: 5 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g

Total Calories (approximate):

• Total calories for the cake with syrup: 4107 kcal for the entire recipe.

Note: The nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients (e.g., type of ghee or butter) and personal ingredient choices. These values represent an overall estimate.