If you're looking for a delicious dessert that won't ruin your healthy eating habits, look no further than 1 cubic inch basbousa. This semolina-based treat packs in all the flavor without packing on the pounds – delivering a mere 54 calories per serving.
Basbousa is a Middle Eastern dessert that's made from semolina flour, sugar, and yogurt, with a touch of rose water or orange blossom water. It's often served with tea or coffee and comes in many different variations.
In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, health benefits, and preparation methods of cubic inch basbousa, as well as some of its variations and its place in Middle Eastern cuisine.
What is Cubic Inch Basbousa?
Cubic inch basbousa is a small, square-shaped piece of semolina-based dessert. It's a Middle Eastern sweet that's made with semolina flour, sugar, and yogurt, with rose water or orange blossom water sometimes added for flavor. Cubic inch basbousa is a classic dessert dish that's perfect for anyone who enjoys sweet and delicious treats. Cubic inch basbousa is also known as semolina cake or semolina dessert, is a popular dessert in many Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine. It's typically served during special occasions, such as religious festivals and family gatherings, and can be found in many Middle Eastern bakeries and patisseries. Despite its sweet taste, cubic inch basbousa is a healthier alternative to many other desserts since it contains fewer calories and less fat. It's also rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the semolina flour and yogurt in the recipe.
Ingredients of Cubic Inch Basbousa
The ingredients of cubic inch basbousa are simple and affordable, making it an easy dessert to make at home. Here are the ingredients that you'll need:
- 1 cup of semolina flour
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds (optional)
To make the syrup for the basbousa, you'll need:
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Health Benefits of Cubic Inch Basbousa
Cubic inch basbousa is a healthy dessert that's rich in nutrients and fiber. Here are some of the health benefits of this delicious dessert:
- Low in calories – just 54 calories per piece
- Rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the semolina flour and yogurt
- Contains healthy fats from the vegetable oil
- Low in sodium and cholesterol
- Can be made with organic or whole grain ingredients for even more health benefits
Overall, cubic inch basbousa is a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your healthy eating habits.
How to Prepare Cubic Inch Basbousa?
Preparing cubic inch basbousa is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps that you need to follow to make this delicious dessert:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix the semolina flour, sugar, baking powder, yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cut the mixture into small, square-shaped pieces (about 1 cubic inch each) and place an almond slice on top of each square (optional).
- Bake the basbousa for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup by mixing the sugar, water, lemon juice, and rose water (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Once the basbousa is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Pour the syrup evenly over the top of the warm basbousa and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve cubic inch basbousa warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra almond slices, chopped pistachios, or fresh berries.
Cubic Inch Basbousa Variations
Cubic inch basbousa comes in many different variations, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular variations of this delicious Middle Eastern dessert:
- Coconut Basbousa – made with shredded coconut and coconut milk for a rich, tropical flavor
- Chocolate Basbousa – made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a rich, indulgent taste
- Citrus Basbousa – made with lemon or orange zest and juice for a tangy, refreshing flavor
- Almond Basbousa – made with almond flour or ground almonds for a nutty, crunchy texture
- Cardamom Basbousa – made with ground cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor
These variations can be made with the same basic recipe as cubic inch basbousa, with a few simple additions or substitutions to create a whole new dessert experience.
Cubic Inch Basbousa and Middle Eastern Cuisine
Cubic inch basbousa is a staple dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it's often served at special occasions and family gatherings. It's a popular dessert in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine, where it's enjoyed alongside tea or coffee. In addition to cubic inch basbousa, Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its flavorful dishes and exotic ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes in this cuisine include tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab, and baklava – a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup. Overall, Middle Eastern cuisine is a vibrant and diverse cuisine that offers a wealth of delicious and healthy dishes to explore.
Cubic Inch Basbousa and Ramadan
Cubic inch basbousa is a popular dessert during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. During this month, Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast with a meal known as iftar. Cubic inch basbousa is a favorite dessert dish during iftar, often served alongside other sweets and savory dishes. It's a symbol of the joy and celebration that comes with breaking the fast after a day of fasting. In addition to cubic inch basbousa, other traditional Ramadan dishes include samosas, stuffed dates, lentil soup, and chicken biryani.
Cubic Inch Basbousa and Diabetic-Friendly Desserts
If you're looking for a diabetic-friendly dessert, cubic inch basbousa is a great option. Since it's made with semolina flour, which has a low glycemic index, it won't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels like other desserts can. In addition, cubic inch basbousa is low in calories and fat, making it a healthier alternative to many other desserts. You can even substitute the sugar in the recipe with a natural sweetener such as stevia, honey, or maple syrup, or omit it altogether if you prefer. Overall, cubic inch basbousa is a delicious and nutritious dessert that's perfect for anyone looking for a sweet treat without the added sugar and calories.
Cubic Inch Basbousa and Gluten-Free Desserts
If you're following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy cubic inch basbousa by using gluten-free semolina flour or a mixture of gluten-free flours such as rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour. In addition, you can substitute the baking powder in the recipe with a gluten-free alternative or omit it altogether and rely on the yogurt to leaven the dough. You can also substitute the optional almond slices on top of the basbousa with chopped pistachios or other nuts. Overall, cubic inch basbousa is a versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs.
Cubic Inch Basbousa and Vegan Desserts
If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy cubic inch basbousa by substituting the yogurt in the recipe with a non-dairy yogurt such as soy yogurt or coconut yogurt. In addition, you can use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or coconut milk in the recipe and substitute the optional almond slices on top of the basbousa with chopped nuts or dried fruit. Overall, cubic inch basbousa is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.
5 FAQ About 1 Cubic Inch Basbousa (Semolina Dessert Dish)
1. What is Basbousa?
Basbousa is a dessert dish that originated in the Middle East. It is made from semolina flour, sweetened coconut, yogurt, and sweet syrup. It is often served as a sweet treat during holidays and celebrations.
2. How many calories are in 1 cubic inch of Basbousa?
1 cubic inch of Basbousa contains approximately 54 calories.
3. Is Basbousa gluten-free?
No, Basbousa is not gluten-free as it contains semolina flour, which is made from wheat.
4. Can Basbousa be stored in the fridge?
Yes, Basbousa can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
5. Can Basbousa be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Basbousa. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.