Sfouf

Sfouf is a beautifully golden Lebanese turmeric cake that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Made with a unique blend of semolina, all-purpose flour, and a hint of ground turmeric, this lightly spiced cake boasts a soft, crumbly texture and a warm, earthy flavor. A whisper of ground anise seed adds a subtle aromatic touch, while pine nuts scattered on top toast to perfection during baking, creating a nutty crunch in every bite. This easy-to-make, dairy-free cake is prepared with vegetable oil, requiring no butter, and comes together quickly in just 15 minutes. Traditionally baked in a tahini-coated pan for an added layer of richness, sfouf is the perfect dessert or teatime treat to savor with coffee or tea. Whether you’re introducing Middle Eastern desserts to your table or looking for a wholesome sweet to share, sfouf is a delightful choice that both intrigues and satisfies.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups semolina
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon ground anise seed
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of tahini, coating the bottom and sides evenly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of semolina, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and 0.5 teaspoon of ground anise seed. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly blended.

Step 4

Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add 1.5 cups of milk and 1 cup of vegetable oil into the well.

Step 5

Stir gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon until a smooth batter is formed. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all dry ingredients.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7

Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of pine nuts over the surface of the batter.

Step 8

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares or diamond shapes.

Step 10

Serve the sfouf warm or at room temperature. Enjoy its distinct flavors with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1352 grams (1352.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4884

Total Fat 252.10g	323%
Saturated Fat 39.00g	195%
Polyunsaturated Fat 140.50g
Cholesterol 33mg	11%
Sodium 1529mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate 599.30g	218%
Dietary Fiber 22.60g	81%
Total Sugars 219.60g
Protein 81.60g	163%

Vitamin D 161IU	805%
Calcium 2867mg	221%
Iron 10727mg	59597%
Potassium 1695mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.4%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 48.0%