What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make and the lovely texture. It is crispy on the outside, soft & creamy on the inside. Perfect baked goodie to make during the holidays as edible gift.
About the Recipe
Namoura aka namora or namura is a delicious semolina based dessert from Lebanon. It is popular in the Middle East and has different names in different countries. Palestinians call it Harriseh, Egyptians call it Basbousa and Persians call it Ravani (rhymes with my name :-)). The nammoura recipe varies slightly with the culture and traditions of the region it is made in. Some add coconut and others don’t. Some use orange blossom water while others use rose water. I love Lebanese cuisine because the recipes are flavorful with the addition of warm spices. Like in this vegetarian eggplant moussaka and Lebanese stew. This easy Lebanese dessert recipe is made with semolina flour. Yes, the same flour that is used to make pasta. After soaking the semolina cake in sugar syrup, dessert has a slightly dense but still a delightful texture. Namora is a very easy, no fuss dessert. An eggless semolina cake is doused with cool rose water (or vanilla) flavored sugar syrup while it is still hot. The resulting dessert is rich, crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Traditionally it is served in small slices since it is a rich dessert. Great to make during the holidays and perfect to give as edible gifts to family and friends. Here are the ingredients you need to make this namora dessert:
Semolina flour ~ Alternately you can use fine sooji which is readily available in Indian or Asian groceries. You can also use farina instead of semolina in the recipe.granulated sugarPlain Yogurt, preferably whole milk variety. Greek yogurt would be great as well.Baking Soda reacts with the yogurt to leaven this cake.Unsalted Butter Almonds - whole or sliveredRose water or vanilla extractLemon juice
Instructions
For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below. Here is how to make namoura dessert:
Make Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan over high heat, boil sugar and water until sugar is dissolves. Reduce the heat to a simmer, stir in lemon juice and rose water or vanilla extract. Simmer until thickened into a syrup. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush 9"x13" baking pan with melted butter.
Make the Cake batter
In a medium size mixing bowl, combine yogurt and baking soda. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes until nearly doubled in size. In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina flour, melted butter and sugar and stir well to combine. Pour the yogurt over the semolina mixture and mix well to combine. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Use a knife to score the surface of the nammoura on the diagonal into 2" diamond-shaped pieces. Top each diamond in the center with an almond.
Bake and Make Namora
Bake until golden brown. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Pour the cooled syrup evenly over the top of the hot namoura. Let cool completely before cutting along the scored lines and serving.
Taste Test
Namora is moist with just the right amount of sweetness, flavorful and very yummy!! Serve with some coffee or tea and Enjoy!! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Or store in the fridge for up to a week.
Expert Tips
Use Sooji or farina instead of semolina flour to make the cake.If you can source only the coarse variety of semolina or sooji, grind it in a blender or food processor until smooth.Plain Greek yogurt is great to use in this recipe. I would recommend to use whole milk but 2% will also work.Add ½ cup of unsweetened coconut for extra flavor and texture.Let namoura cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give the cake a chance to soak up all of the syrup.High Altitude modifications to make:Reduce sugar to ⅔ cup in the cake batter.Reduce baking soda to 1¾ teaspoons.
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Here are few more Middle Eastern recipes that you might like: I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don’t forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.
Recipe Card
