Sfouf (Turmeric Lebanese Cake)

Preparation Time: 20 min

Baking Time: 45 min

Servings: around 40 pieces

Oven Temperature: 350 F

Pan Size: 35 cm (Diameter)

Ingredients:

·         2 Tbsp.Tahina (sesame paste)

·         3 cups of fine semolina  

·         1 cup flour

·         2 Tbsp. turmeric (kurkum)

·         1 tsp mahlab spice (powdered)

·         1 cup powdered milk

·         2 ½ tsp baking powder

·         ½ tsp quick yeast

·         1 tsp anise seeds (whole)

·         1 ½ - 2 cups water

·         2 cups sugar

·         1 cup oil (canola, sunflower or corn oil)

·         ½ cup raw pine nuts (for decoration)

·         2 Tbsp. syrup

·         2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Preparation:

·         Preheat oven to 350 F

·         Brush the bottom of the pan with Tahina

·         Boil the water with the anise seeds, let simmer for 3 minutes then strain and leave aside to cool

·         Mix the syrup with the butter over medium heat, keep warm till needed

Procedure:

1.      In a large bowl, mix together the semolina, flour, turmeric, mahlab, milk, baking powder, yeast

2.      In another bowl, dissolve the sugar in the anise fused water then add the oil and mix well

3.      Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stir with a wooden spoon mixing well  

4.      The mixture should be runny, adjust water as needed

5.      Pour mixture in the pan

6.      Decorate the top with pine nuts

7.      Bake in the lower rack of a preheated oven until it turns into a golden brown color

8.      Remove tray from oven

9.      Brush with the mixture of melted butter and syrup

10.  Leave aside to cool completely before cutting into squares