Fancy an aromatic journey through the streets of Istanbul? Then the Turkish semolina cake, also known as Revani, is just the thing!
Revani is a traditional sweet semolina cake that has its origins in Ottoman cuisine. It consists mainly of fine semolina, yoghurt and sugar and is soaked in an aromatic sugar syrup. What makes Revani so special is its juicy texture and unique taste, which offers a perfect balance between sweet and refreshingly tart. Although semolina cake is often associated with festive occasions such as weddings, holidays or religious festivals, it is also a popular everyday dessert.
In addition to Revani, there are a variety of other semolina-based desserts that are popular in various cuisines around the world. Sweet semolina porridge is a traditional German delicacy made with milk, sugar and spices such as cinnamon or vanilla. It is enjoyed both warm and cold and can be garnished with fruit or compote. Semolina casserole with cherries is another popular option that is baked in the oven and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Grandma's Grießschmarrn, a variation of the classic Austrian Kaiserschmarrn, consists of shredded dough made from semolina, eggs and milk and is often served with fresh fruit or delicious applesauce. These versatile semolina desserts offer a wide range of flavors and textures and are a delicious way to use semolina in the kitchen.
This is how you can prepare traditional Turkish semolina cake:
You need these ingredients for Turkish semolina cake:
Semolina cake:
150g sugar
4 eggs
40 ml sunflower oil
200g yogurt
1 pinch of salt
250 g durum wheat semolina
100g flour
1 packet of baking powder
Syrup:
300g sugar
350 ml water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 lemon slice, halved
Topping:
3 tbsp desiccated coconut
2 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped
Preparing the Turkish semolina cake is so easy:
Preheat oven to 160 °C fan oven.
For the semolina cake:
Mix the sugar and eggs in a bowl until fluffy. Add oil and yoghurt and stir briefly. Add salt, semolina, flour and baking powder and mix everything into a smooth dough.
Line a baking tray with baking paper and pour dough into it. Smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.
For the syrup:
Bring sugar, water, lemon juice and lemon slice to the boil in a saucepan and simmer for about 15 minutes. Let the syrup cool.
Pour the cooled syrup evenly over the cake and let it rest for about two hours. Cut Revani into small pieces and garnish with coconut flakes and pistachios. Bon appetit!
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The diversity of Turkish cuisine: a fusion of flavors and traditions
Turkish cuisine is a fascinating fusion of Arabic, Persian, Greek and Mediterranean influences. Known for its delicious flavors, fresh ingredients and the art of blending spices, it offers a wide range of dishes to suit every taste. A standout example is the traditional breakfast dish Çilbir, which consists of poached eggs in a yogurt sauce with garlic, parsley, chili and melted butter. Another culinary highlight is Lahmacun, a Turkish pizza topped with seasoned minced meat, tomatoes, peppers and onions and often served with fresh herbs and lemon. For soup lovers, Turkish cuisine offers the famous lentil soup, prepared with red lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices.