Ingredients

1 tablespoon tahini
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 teaspoons whole anise seeds
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons anise seed powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
2 tablespoons pine nuts
Sfouf cake is a traditional Lebanese cake that is a popular dessert in many Middle Eastern countries. The recipe's primary ingredient is ground turmeric, which gives the cake its vibrant yellow color and unique flavor. Along with the turmeric, the cake also contains anise seed powder, which adds a glimpse of sweetness to the cake. Pine nuts on top of the cake provide a fantastic aroma and a slightly nutty taste. This cake is traditionally consumed with a cup of tea and is enjoyed by family and guests alike. Sfouf cake is straightforward to make and will leave you with a dessert that's sure to impress.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F
2.Mix tahini and boiling water together and stir in anise seeds and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and reserve the liquid.
3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, ground turmeric, baking powder, and anise seed powder. Gradually mix in the vegetable oil, melted butter, and reserved liquid from the anise/tahini mixture.
4.Grease a 9-inch cake pan with some butter and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the pine nuts over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
5.Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve at room temperature.

PROS

Sfouf cake has a unique flavor from the turmeric and anise seed powder.
This cake is perfect for those who want to try something new.
It is also lighter than other cakes since it doesn’t have any eggs in it, which makes it a great dessert option for vegans and those allergic to eggs.
The cake is perfect for tea time, as well as an after-dinner treat.

CONS

This cake is low in protein content and has a high carbohydrate content, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Overconsumption may lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Additionally, those who don’t like the taste of anise or turmeric might not enjoy this cake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sfouf cake has a few health benefits that come from the turmeric. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant that may help support brain function, fight depression, and lower the risk of heart disease. Anise seed powder has traditionally been used for digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. However, these benefits may not be significant, especially in the small quantities found in this recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.