Dive into the sweet world of Turkish desserts with Revani, a moist and syrupy semolina cake that’s been delighting taste buds for centuries. This easy-to-make treat is a perfect representation of the rich culinary traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup semolina flour, essential for an authentic Revani Turkish Semolina Cake Recipe
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the syrup:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to begin your Revani Turkish Semolina Cake Recipe.
- In a large bowl, mix semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add oil, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.
- When the cake is done, remove from oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it to complete the Revani Turkish Semolina Cake Recipe.
- Allow the cake to cool completely and absorb the syrup before serving.
Garnish with crushed pistachios or shredded coconut for an authentic touch.
The Charm of Revani
Revani, also known as Basbousa in some parts of the Mediterranean, is a testament to the region’s love for sweet, syrupy desserts. Its unique texture comes from semolina, a coarse flour made from durum wheat, which makes it ideal for a Turkish semolina cake recipe.
This cake is not just delicious; it’s also a part of Turkish cultural heritage. Often served during special occasions and religious festivals, Revani represents the warmth and hospitality of Turkish culture.
Pair this sweet treat with a cup of strong Turkish coffee for a truly authentic experience.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: While the sweetness is characteristic of Revani, you can reduce the sugar in the syrup slightly in this Revani Turkish Semolina Cake Recipe. However, keep in mind that this may affect the cake’s texture and shelf life.
Q: How long does Revani stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Revani can stay fresh for up to 5 days. The syrup acts as a natural preservative.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Traditional Revani contains gluten from semolina and all-purpose flour, integral to the authentic Turkish semolina cake recipe.
Q: What’s the origin of Revani?
A: Revani has its roots in Ottoman cuisine and is popular across many countries that were once part of the Ottoman Empire. Learn more about the history of Turkish cuisine to understand its cultural significance.
Explore more syrup-soaked Mediterranean desserts like Baklava or Lebanese Namoura to compare regional variations.