A simple arabic dessert that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients: 

2 cups semolina

1 cup yogurt or coconut cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup unsweetened fine shredded coconut flakes

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vanilla, oil, sugar and eggs until fully combined. Next, add in the semolina and baking powder and whisk, add in the coconut for a final stir.

Grease your pan with butter or oil, and pour in your mixture.  Allow it to bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown

For the simple syrup: 

1/2 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 a lemon

optional : rose water or orange blossom water

On the stove in a small pot combine the water and sugar as well as the lemon juice and keep stirring it on  medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and thickens. Place a teaspoon of rose water and stir it in. It will take about 10 minutes for it to get to the proper thickness level. If you like it a little more on the runny side, Take it off the heat and reserve it on the side sooner.

When you take out the basbousa from the oven, pour the syrup on top and allow it to soak in completely…this works best while its hot and fresh out of the oven

Cut into diamond shapes, and place an almond on each serving.

Top with crushed pistachios and serve 🙂