Revani

The term "semolina" is derived from the Italian word "semola" which is from the ancient Latin word "simila", meaning flour, itself a borrowing from Greek σεμῖδαλις "groats". Semolina, made from durum wheat, is known in North India as Sooji; in South India, Ravey in Kannada, Rava / Ravam / Ravai (ரவை) in Telugu/Tamil, in Tamilnadu, semolina is also made of rice. In Turkey, semolina is known as irmik.

I had this delicious dessert at Greek festival, from then this has become one of my favorite desserts. It is easy to make and delicious to eat. I will share the recipe for an egg-less sibling of Revani soon.

Ingredients:

Semolina - 1 cup
All-purpose flour - 10 Tbsp
Sugar - 1 cup
Butter - One stick+2Tbsp (10 Tbsp)
Egg - 6
Backing powder - 2 tsp
Salt a pinch
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
Almond - ¼ cup, blanched and chopped

For Sugar syrup:

Sugar - 1 ½ cup
Water - 3 cups
Cinnamon - ½" stick
Cloves - 4
Lemon juice - few drops




Directions:

In a medium pan boil water and add the (1½ cups) sugar for the syrup, cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice, boil until the sugar dissolves in high heat and then for 15 minutes in low heat. Strain the cinnamon and cloves and cool down the syrup.

Pre-heat the oven for 350˚F. Grease the 9 X 12 baking tray, in a separate bowl mix semolina, all-purpose flour, chopped almond and baking powder , set aside. In another (large mixing) bowl add the softened butter and vanilla extract then add the sugar slowly a little at a time and beat well. Add the eggs one by one and beat well, then slowly add the semolina mixture and beat continuously. Pour the mixture into the baking tray and bake for 30 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and make few pokes about 2mm using the knife-edge then pour the sugar syrup all over the cake. Cut into squares and garnish with almonds.