Basboosa

Basboosa, a traditional Middle Eastern sweet treat, is a delightful dessert that combines the finest ingredients to create a sweet and fragrant masterpiece. With its crumbly semolina crust, sweet and chewy center, and delicate floral flavors, this sweet delight is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• Semolina flour 1 1/2 cups
• Granulated sugar 1 cup
• Unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup
• Milk 1/2 cup
• Eggs 2 large
• Baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Coconut flakes 1/2 cup
• Pistachios, chopped 1/4 cup
• Rose water 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Orange blossom water 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Salt 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some unsalted butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.

Add in the softened unsalted butter and, using your hands or a pastry blender, work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, rose water, orange blossom water, and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Fold in the coconut flakes and chopped pistachios.

Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

To toast the coconut flakes, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

Use high-quality rose water and orange blossom water for the best flavor.

Don’t overmix the dough, as it can become tough.

If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but omit the added salt.

You can substitute chopped almonds or walnuts for the pistachios if you prefer.

Basboosa is traditionally served as a sweet snack or dessert, and it’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

You can store basboosa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 4g