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Sfouf

A golden Lebanese semolina cake flavored with aromatic turmeric and sesame tahini, topped with crunchy pine nuts.

45 minEasyServes 12220 cal/serving

LebaneseDessertOvenVeganVegetarianHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 1.5 cups fine semolina
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with 1 tbsp tahini.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups fine semolina, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp ground turmeric, and 2 tsp baking powder.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 cup granulated sugar in 1 cup warm water, then stir in 1/2 cup vegetable oil.

  4. 4

    Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms.

  5. 5

    Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp pine nuts.

  6. 6

    Bake for 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool before slicing.

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Questions

What is Sfouf?

A golden Lebanese semolina cake flavored with aromatic turmeric and sesame tahini, topped with crunchy pine nuts. This reference files it under Lebanese dessert: made in the oven, rated easy and about 45 minutes start to finish.

What temperature do I cook Sfouf at?

For Sfouf, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 30 minutes, in step 6.

What can I use instead of pine nuts in Sfouf?

The entry for Sfouf calls for 2 tbsp pine nuts. In its place: Toasted slivered almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds keep it nut-free.

Can I make Sfouf gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Sfouf is 1.5 cups fine semolina, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Sfouf contain tree nuts?

Yes: 2 tbsp pine nuts. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, tree nuts and sesame. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Sfouf?

Store Sfouf airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Serve it with

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