NAMMOURA (SOFT SEMOLINA CAKE)

Everyone loves this classic Lebanese cake, especially the little ones.

MAKES: about 20 pieces

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups (450 g) butter
•  4¾ cups coarsely ground semolina
• 1 cup (120 g) finely ground semolina or durum wheat flour
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
•  2½ cups (593 ml) water or plain yogurt, such as greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons tahini
• 1 cup (140 g) blanched and peeled whole almonds
•  3 cups (710 ml) sugar syrup

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix baking powder, melted butter, and both semolina varieties.
2. If you are using water: dissolve the sugar in the water, pour it into the semolina mix, and stir well. If you are using yogurt: pour it directly into the semolina mixture, add sugar, and mix well.
3. Grease a round baking mold, about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, with tahini. Pour the batter in and garnish the cake with the almonds.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and soak it with syrup.
5. Once it has cooled, cut it into squares and serve.

TIP:

• You can also add coconut to the batter.