Shammali

Shammali Recipe - A traditional Cypriot dessert with almond essence and lemon juice

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Shammali is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular in countries like Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. This sweet and moist cake is made with semolina, eggs, and a hint of almond essence, then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.

History

Shammali has been enjoyed for generations in Middle Eastern households as a special treat for celebrations and gatherings. The recipe has been passed down through families, with each cook adding their own unique touch to the dish.

Ingredients

1 glass of cooking oil
half a glass of sugar
3 eggs
2 glasses of semolina (fine or coarse)
1 glass of self raising flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1 glass of milk (you might need less or a little more)
about 2 tbsp of roasted split almonds
optional: 1 tsp of almond essence

Syrup

3 glasses of water
2 and a half glasses of sugar
2 tbsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

To make the syrup, bring the ingredients to a boil and simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Then, leave it to cool.
Thoroughly whisk all the ingredients for the bake (except the flaked almonds) until you achieve a thick batter-like consistency, similar to a sponge cake mixture. Gradually add the milk, stopping when the raw cake mixture becomes smooth.
Place the mixture in a greased tin and sprinkle the almonds on top.
Bake in a medium oven (200°C) for approximately 60 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cake slightly shrinks from the sides of the tin.
Pour the cold syrup over the hot cake, then leave it to cool. Finally, cut the cake into squares before serving.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the almonds with pistachios or walnuts for a different nutty twist.
Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to whisk the batter thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

- Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve the right consistency for the batter.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the syrup over it to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shammali with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular flour instead of self-raising flour, but make sure to add an extra teaspoon of baking powder.

- If you don't have almond essence, you can use vanilla extract or rose water for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Shammali can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure to pour the syrup over the cake right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Shammali into diamond or square shapes for a traditional presentation. Garnish with extra almonds or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Shammali with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Shammali in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds or warm it in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shammali contains approximately 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shammali contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shammali contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shammali contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shammali is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Shammali contains eggs, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Shammali is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins and contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shammali is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With its moist texture and fragrant syrup, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shammali. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. She was a master in the art of cooking, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One day, as we were sitting at the kitchen table, sipping on tea and enjoying some homemade pastries, my grandmother pulled out a worn and stained piece of paper from her recipe box. She handed it to me and said, "This is a special recipe for Shammali that has been passed down through generations in our family. I want you to learn how to make it."

I eagerly took the recipe and studied it carefully. It was written in my grandmother's elegant handwriting, with detailed instructions on how to make the delicate and fragrant dessert. I could see that it required a lot of patience and skill, but I was determined to master it.

My grandmother began to teach me the steps, showing me how to mix the ingredients just right and how to bake the Shammali until it was perfectly golden brown. She explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and the significance of each step in the process.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I listened intently to my grandmother's stories about how she had learned to make Shammali from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been cherished and perfected over the years, passed down through the generations as a symbol of love and tradition.

I soon discovered that making Shammali was not just about following a set of instructions – it was about connecting with my family's history and honoring the memories of those who had come before me. Every time I made the dessert, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the knowledge that had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my Shammali recipe, adding my own little twists and variations to make it uniquely mine. I shared it with friends and family, who were always amazed by its delicate texture and sweet aroma. It became a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been woven into its creation.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Shammali for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the recipe that has been a part of my life for so long. It is more than just a dessert – it is a connection to my past, a link to my ancestors, and a symbol of the enduring power of family and tradition.

And as I watch my grandchildren take their first bite of the sweet and fragrant Shammali, I know that the recipe will live on, continuing to bring joy and memories to future generations. It is a legacy that I am proud to pass on, a gift from my grandmother that will always hold a special place in my heart.