Delicious and Authentic Middle Eastern Namoura Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of semolina
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of ground almonds
2 cups of water
2 cups of sugar
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of rose water
1/2 teaspoon of orange blossom water

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Add the melted butter and yogurt to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.
Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Score the dough into diamond shapes with a knife, pressing an almond into the center of each diamond.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the lemon juice, rose water, and orange blossom water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the top. Let the cake sit for at least an hour to absorb the syrup before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Baking Dish - A dish to bake the namoura in.
Spatula - Used to smooth the top of the dough in the baking dish.
Knife - Used to score the dough into diamond shapes before baking.
Almonds - Ground almonds are pressed into the center of each diamond shape before baking.
Saucepan - Used to prepare the syrup.

Recipe variations

Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Replace the semolina with fine cornmeal for a different texture.
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Mix in chopped pistachios or walnuts into the dough for added crunch.
Swap the plain yogurt with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a tangier taste.
Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Drizzle a chocolate glaze over the namoura once it has cooled for a chocolatey variation.
Serve the namoura with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Add a tablespoon of rose petals or orange blossom petals to the syrup for an extra floral aroma.
To make it vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil and use plant-based yogurt or applesauce instead of dairy yogurt.

Recipe overview

Discover the sweet taste of the Middle East with this delicious Namoura recipe. Also known as Basbousa, Namoura is a traditional Lebanese dessert that's made from semolina and soaked in a fragrant, sweet syrup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those wanting to try their hand at Middle Eastern baking. The dough is infused with yogurt and butter, giving it a moist, yet crumbly texture. Topped with ground almonds and infused with the flavors of rose water and orange blossom water, this dessert is sure to impress. The whole process takes about an hour, including baking and soaking time, making it a great option for any occasion. Once you've tried Namoura, it's sure to become a favorite!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour if desired. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the namoura may vary slightly.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if that's what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the added salt content and adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Can I omit the ground almonds? Yes, you can omit the ground almonds if you prefer or if you have allergies. The namoura will still turn out delicious without them.
Can I use a different type of nut for the topping? Certainly! While traditionally almonds are used, you can use other nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or cashews for the topping as well.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup? You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup to your preference. However, keep in mind that the namoura relies on the syrup for moisture and flavor, so reducing the sugar significantly may affect the overall taste and texture.
How long does namoura stay fresh? Namoura can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients for the namoura.
Baking dish - A baking dish to bake the namoura in.
Spatula - A kitchen utensil used for smoothing the top of the namoura before baking.
Knife - A knife to score the dough into diamond shapes before baking.
Almonds - Ground almonds are used to garnish the namoura before baking.
Saucepan - A saucepan to prepare the syrup for pouring over the baked namoura.

Origin stories

Namoura, also known as basbousa, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originating from the Levant region, specifically Lebanon, this decadent treat's name comes from the Arabic word 'namour,' meaning tiger, as it's said to be sweet and rich enough to tame even the fiercest of beasts. The dessert is typically made during religious festivals and celebrations, making it a dish steeped in cultural heritage and familial nostalgia. It's interesting to note that variations of Namoura are found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, each with its unique twist, showing how food can travel and adapt, becoming a delicious symbol of shared history and culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.