Basbousa

Ingredients:

For the Basbousa:
• 2 cups semolina
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup ghee or butter
• Less than ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1¼ cups milk
• Vanilla

For the Syrup:
• 1½ cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Juice of half a lemon
• Vanilla

Instructions:

1️⃣ Make the caramel:
• In a pot over medium heat, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden.
• Add the milk and ghee, then let the mixture cool slightly.

2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients:
• In a bowl, mix the semolina and baking powder.
• Add the caramel mixture along with the vanilla, and stir well until combined.

3️⃣ Bake:
• Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan or one lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in a preheated oven on medium heat until golden on the top and bottom.

4️⃣ Prepare the syrup:
• In a pot, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla.
• Let it boil for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Serve:
• Pour the hot syrup over the basbousa immediately after it comes out of the oven.
• Garnish with nuts if desired.

Tips:

✨ Make sure both the syrup and basbousa are hot when pouring so it absorbs well.
✨ You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for a special flavor.