Walnut

by

Sure! Here’s a big, rich, and engaging recipe for Walnut & Carrot Basbousa (Semolina Cake) — complete with introduction, history, ingredients, method, conclusion, and even a touch of love for the dish.

🌟 Walnut & Carrot Basbousa (Semolina Cake) Recipe 🌟

A moist, nutty, and heartwarming Middle Eastern semolina cake infused with the goodness of carrots and the richness of walnuts.

📖 Introduction

Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh or Revani depending on the region, is a beloved dessert across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean. Traditionally made with semolina and soaked in a simple syrup, this variation adds a special twist — the earthy sweetness of carrots and the deep, warm crunch of walnuts. It’s a comforting, wholesome dessert that brings generations together over shared stories and tea.

Whether you’re preparing it for Eid, a cozy family dinner, or just because you’re craving something golden and glorious, this Walnut & Carrot Basbousa is a treat to fall in love with — one piece at a time. ❤️

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional but recommended for brightness)
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots (tightly packed)
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or shredded)
  • 2 cups fine semolina
  • 1 tsp baking powder

For the Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water or rose water (optional but divine)

🏺 A Brief History

 

 

Basbousa has its roots in Egypt but has since traveled far and wide, appearing in Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Greek kitchens under different names and slight variations. In some homes, it’s flavored with coconut; in others, topped with almonds. Our version with carrots and walnuts is inspired by traditional hospitality and the seasonal harvests of rural Levantine villages — where nothing goes to waste, and everything is made with heart.

👨‍🍳 Method

🍰 For the Cake:

 

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or oil.
  2. Whisk eggs and sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy.
  3. Add oil, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  4. Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts.
  5. Stir in semolina and baking powder until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the semolina can absorb the liquid (for a better texture).
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

🍯 For the Syrup:

 

 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add lemon juice, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and stir in orange blossom water or rose water, if using.
  4. Let syrup cool slightly.

🥄 Final Assembly:

  1. When the cake is hot from the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over the top.
  2. Let the cake soak the syrup for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Slice into squares or diamonds. Optionally, top with an extra walnut half or grated carrot for decoration.

💖 Why Lovers Love It

 

 

 

 

This cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a memory keeper. Grandmothers serve it with mint tea; friends break into it after long dinners; lovers make it for one another on chilly nights. The tender crumb, the aromatic syrup, the nutty crunch — it’s a symphony of comfort.

Lovers of Basbousa appreciate:

  • Its warm, homey texture
  • The harmony of sweet and earthy flavors
  • How it brings people together at tables full of laughter

🔚 Conclusion

 

 

 

The Walnut & Carrot Basbousa is more than just a cake — it’s a celebration of heritage, harvest, and heart. It combines the rustic charm of traditional semolina desserts with the natural sweetness of carrots and the robust crunch of walnuts. Serve it warm, chilled, or room temperature — it’s always delicious, always comforting.

Whether you’re a lifelong basbousa lover or just discovering it, this version will give you something new to treasure. And as they say in Arabic: Sahtein! (To your health!)

Would you like a printable version or a design for Instagram or Pinterest?

Leave a Comment