Palestinian: Namoura (Semolina Dessert)
Recipe by Fairouz AbuGhazaleh <airouzabughazaleh@gmail.com>
(serves 4-6)

Namura (aka Basbousa) is an eggless sweet cake that is found all over the Middle East, the Balkans and North Africa under a variety of names. This Palestinian version uses semolina flour and a sugar syrup enhanced with orange blossom water for a unique and irresistible dessert treat (also see video).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (low fat preferred)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1¼ cup fine semolina flour (or sub Cream Wheat)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup Avocado oil (or sub corn oil)
- 16-24 Marcona almonds
For the syrup:
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup of sugar
- A few drops of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- In a bowl, add yogurt and sugar; mix well
- Add semolina flour, baking powder, baking soda; mix well
- Add oil and mix until blended well
- Pour mixture into a baking dish (approx 9x12 inches) and let sit for 15 minutes
- Arrange almonds on top and bake for about 25-30 minutes
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, mix water and sugar together; bring to a boil and let it boil for a few minutes to thicken the syrup
- Turn off heat, then add a few drops of lemon juice and the orange blossom water (if using)
- Drizzle the syrup all over the surface of the namoura and let it soak for 10-15 minutes
- Cut into diamond shaped pieces and enjoy