Basbousa

Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet cake made with semolina, coconut, and sweet syrup.

Ingredients - Serves 12

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the semolina, desiccated coconut, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Using a knife, score the top of the mixture into diamond or square shapes.
Place an almond slice on top of each scored piece.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, lemon juice, and rose water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Once the basbousa is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup over it, making sure to cover all the pieces.
Allow the basbousa to cool completely in the baking dish before serving.
Cut into the scored pieces and serve at room temperature.