Mafrouke

Mafrouke is one of the easiest and most delicious desserts. It is simply semolina that is mixed with a little butter then cooked with our famous Lebanese syrup which is flavoured with the rose and orange blossom water.

The success of this recipe’s flavor is roasting the semolina and keeping the syrup light not too thick until the mixture turns into a soft consistent dough. Then topped with my delightful home made cream and finally covered with crunchy roasted mixed nuts which fulfill the amazing taste of mafrouke. I can say about this dessert that it is one of my favourites.

Prep. time: 40 mins

Serves: 6 to 7

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup fine semolina

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup almond halves

3 tbsp pine nuts

1/4 cup crushed pistachios

The syrup:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp rose water

2 tbsp Orange blossom water

The cream:

2 cups milk

3 white bread slices

1/2 cup cooking cream

2 heaped tbsp corn starch

PREPARATION:

How to prepare the cream: Put the milk, the cream and the corn starch in a medium pot. Stir well to dissolve the starch. Peel the crust of the bread, break the slices into fine pieces then add them to the mixture. Stir continuously over medium heat until they boil for 2 mins and get thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool down then refrigerate for one hour or more at least in order to thicken and cool well before using it.

Roast the almonds and the pine nuts separately in a pan over medium heat stirring continuously until golden colour.

How to prepare mafrouke paste: First prepare the syrup by boiling the sugar, water and lemon for 5 mins then add to it both rose water and orange blossom water. Now spread the semolina in a non stick pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until getting dark golden. Increase the heat to low then add the butter after cutting it into small pieces. Mix them well until blended very well. Pour the syrup stirring constantly over low heat until the paste to absorb all the liquid and become a dark golden to brown colour paste. Set aside and let it cool. Flatten the dough mixture on a serving plate then spread the cream on top with a spoon. Finally sprinkle the roasted almonds and pine nuts and the crushed pistachios all over.

Mafroukeh is a delightful dessert you can crave for any time as well as preparing it at home is as easy and pleasurable. Treat your family or your guests with a distinctive and tasteful platter of mafrouke.

Enjoy!!