Algerian Mbesses
Experience the delightful simplicity of **Algerian Mbesses**, a traditional North African semolina cake that combines rich, buttery flavors with a touch of sweetness. Made with only a handful of pantry staples like coarse semolina, melted butter, milk, and a drizzle of honey, this recipe delivers a golden, crumbly texture that simply melts in your mouth. Scored into elegant diamond shapes and infused with warm honey immediately after baking, Mbesses offers a perfect balance of crunch and softness with every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for tea-time gatherings or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Discover the charm of this authentic Algerian dessert and serve it with a steaming cup of coffee or mint tea for a truly memorable experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams coarse semolina
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 250 grams unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 150 milliliters milk
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 grams honey
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarse semolina, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until fully melted.
Pour the melted butter over the semolina mixture and stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the semolina is well-coated with butter.
Add milk and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
Grease a baking dish or a round cake pan (approximately 30cm in diameter) with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Pour the semolina batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
Using a knife, score the top of the batter into diamond shapes, pressing lightly to create deep grooves.
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, warm the honey on the stove or in the microwave so it becomes liquid.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm honey evenly over the top, ensuring it soaks into the grooves.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish before cutting it along the scored lines into diamond shapes.
Serve with tea or coffee, and enjoy your delicious Algerian Mbesses!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4261 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.9 g | 286% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.7 g | 638% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 568 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 2631 mg | 114% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 519.5 g | 189% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 151.1 g | ||
| Protein | 70.6 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 335 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1260 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
