Basbousa is a very popular desert in the Middle East; in Greece and Turkey it’s called revani.  Good news is, it is easy to make this delicious tasting treat.

300 g semolina

150 g white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp flaked coconut

150 g butter, softened

150 g thick yogurt

1-2 tsp baking powder (optional)

200 ml water

100 g white sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

Almonds for topping

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together all cake ingredients, except the almonds.

3. Pour mixture into baking dish and flatten with spoon.

4. Take a knife and make diagonal lines from left to right and complete to make diamond shapes. Place an almond in the center of each diamond.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown.

6. While the cake is being baked, make the syrup. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the water, white sugar, and lemon juice.

7. Bring to a boil, and boil gently for 5-10 minutes, until the syrup starts to thicken. Set aside.

8. Remove cake from oven after 25-30 minutes, and pour the syrup over the cake until no more can be absorbed. Serve warm.