Qalb el Louz (or Kalb el Louz) is a traditional North African dessert that is popular in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. It is a sweet and nutty semolina cake that is soaked in a fragrant syrup flavored with orange blossom water. Qalb el Louz is typically served during special occasions such as weddings, Eid, and other celebrations.

Qalb el Louz is a dessert with a rich and complex flavor profile. The semolina and almond flour give it a slightly grainy texture, while the orange blossom water lends a floral and citrusy note to the syrup. The sliced almonds on top of the cake add a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft texture of the cake.

The preparation of Qalb el Louz is straightforward, although it requires some attention to detail to ensure that the cake is cooked through and the syrup is the right consistency. It is essential to mix the batter well to avoid lumps and to arrange the sliced almonds in a pattern that enhances the cake's visual appeal. The syrup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick as to become crystallized.

When served, Qalb el Louz is a beautiful dessert that can be cut into small squares or diamond shapes. It is often garnished with additional sliced almonds or pistachios and dusted with powdered sugar. The dessert pairs well with a cup of hot mint tea or coffee, which helps balance the sweetness of the cake.

In terms of nutrition, Qalb el Louz is a relatively high-calorie dessert due to its sugar and oil content. However, it also provides some protein and fiber from the semolina and almonds. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups fine semolina

2- 1/2 cup almond flour

3- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

4- 1/2 cup sugar

5- 1/2 cup milk

6- 1/2 cup water

7- 1 tsp baking powder

8- 1 tsp vanilla extract

9- 1/2 tsp salt

10- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, sliced

11- 1/4 cup orange blossom water

For the syrup:

1- 1 1/2 cups water

2- 1 1/2 cups sugar

3- 1/4 cup orange blossom water

4- 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3- Add the vegetable oil, milk, and water to the dry ingredients and mix well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

4- Stir in the vanilla extract and orange blossom water.

5- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.

6- Arrange the sliced almonds on top of the batter in a decorative pattern.

7- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cake is cooked through.

8- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange blossom water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened slightly.

9- Remove the cinnamon stick from the syrup and pour it over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

10- Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes:

1- Qalb el Louz can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

2- The cake can be made without the almond flour if you prefer a smoother texture.

3- The syrup can be adjusted to taste. Add more or less sugar and orange blossom water as desired.

4- Qalb el Louz is traditionally served with a cup of mint tea.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 365
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 177mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 5g

Qalb el Louz is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Here are the nutrition facts for Qalb el Louz and its ingredients based on the quantities you provided:

2 cups fine semolina:

• Calories: 736
• Carbohydrates: 154g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 11g

benefits: A coarse flour made from durum wheat, semolina is rich in protein and fiber, which can help in digestion and keep you feeling full longer.

1/2 cup almond flour:

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits: Almond flour is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese.

1/2 cup vegetable oil:

• Calories: 960
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 109g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides healthy fats and vitamin E, which is important for skin health.

1/2 cup sugar:

• Calories: 387
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides quick energy, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

1/2 cup milk:

• Calories: 61
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.

1/2 cup water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Essential for hydration and helps in digestion and nutrient absorption.

1 tsp baking powder:

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Helps the dough rise and gives the final product a light and fluffy texture.

1 tsp vanilla extract:

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds flavor and aroma to the dish.

1/2 tsp salt:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances flavor and is necessary for various bodily functions, but should be consumed in moderation.

1/2 cup blanched almonds, sliced:

• Calories: 316
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and magnesium.

1/4 cup orange blossom water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds flavor to the syrup.

For the syrup:

1 1/2 cups water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Essential for hydration.

1 1/2 cups sugar:

• Calories: 1080
• Carbohydrates: 279g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides sweetness to the syrup.

1/4 cup orange blossom water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a floral aroma and flavor to the dish.

1 cinnamon stick:

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the syrup.

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in the ingredients used.