Oman today_ Basbousa is a traditional and popular dessert in Arab countries, especially prepared and consumed during Ramadan. This dessert, with its soft texture and sweet taste, is typically made from a combination of semolina, sugar, yogurt, and oil, and is moistened with a sweet syrup after baking. To make Basbousa, you will need 2 cups of semolina, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of yogurt, ½ cup of vegetable oil, ½ cup of desiccated coconut (optional), 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and some almonds or pistachios for garnish. The syrup is made from 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of rosewater, and a few drops of lemon juice.
To prepare, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, mix the semolina, sugar, desiccated coconut, baking powder, and vanilla. Add the yogurt and oil to the dry mixture and stir until a smooth batter is formed. Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking dish and smooth the surface. Using a knife, cut the batter into diamond or square shapes, and place one almond or pistachio on each piece. Bake the dish in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns golden.
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the rosewater and a few drops of lemon juice, and let it simmer for a few minutes before removing it from the heat. Once the Basbousa is out of the oven, pour the warm syrup over it and let it soak in. Allow it to cool before serving.
This delightful dessert, known for its simplicity and delicious flavor, is a perfect choice for serving during Ramadan and other special occasions.
The Sweet Dessert Basbousa with an Unforgettable Taste
