What is Sfouf?
It is cake, the Lebanese way! A thick spongy cake garnished with almonds with a unique taste.
Ingredients
Semolina, sugar, butter ghee, baking powder, turmeric.
Characteristics
Sfouf is a very spongy and light cake. It gets it characteristically yellow color from the Turmeric that is added to its mix.
In contrary to other Middle Eastern cakes such as Nammoura, it is dry rather than juicy and sweet.
Sfouf with almonds garnish
How is Sfouf Made?
It is relatively easy to make and is thus often made at home.
To make Sfouf, the semolina dough is prepared, left to rest for about an hour, and then baked.
Preparation of the Dough
To form the Sfouf dough, semolina, water, eggs, hot butter, sugar, and small amounts of yeast and Turmeric are mixed.
Preparation and Baking
After the dough is prepared, it is placed on a flat baking sheet and left to rest for about one hour.
Almond garnish is then added on top of the dough which is baked for 30 minutes on medium temperature.
After baking, the dough is cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions
It is served as a desert. Its characteristically yellow look adds a vibrant color to all cake and dessert arrangements.
Popularity
It is popular in most Middle Eastern countries and in particular in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.
Classification
Sfouf is a semolina cake. It is one popular Middle Eastern cake.