Floral Almond Semolina Cake, also known as Qalb el Louz, is a cherished North African dessert, particularly popular in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. This semolina cake boasts a moist, nutty texture and is infused with fragrant orange blossom water, which elevates its aroma. Typically served during festive occasions like weddings, Eid, and family gatherings, it combines simplicity in preparation with rich flavors, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
The cake provides beneficial nutrients from its main ingredients, such as semolina, almonds, and a touch of orange blossom water. Semolina offers a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while almonds contribute healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, including vitamin E, which supports skin health and acts as an antioxidant. Orange blossom water, often used for its calming effects, adds a unique fragrance and may offer mild digestive benefits. However, it’s important to be mindful of its sugar content, especially for those managing their blood sugar levels or aiming to reduce their calorie intake.
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
Healthy Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For a healthier version of the Floral Almond Semolina Cake, there are several ingredient substitutions that can be made to reduce sugar and fat content while maintaining flavor:
- Sugar Substitutes: Instead of refined sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. These alternatives not only provide a sweeter taste but also offer additional vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and antioxidants, which are absent in regular sugar.
- Oil Substitutes: Instead of vegetable oil, consider using healthier oils like coconut oil or olive oil. These oils provide monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health. Coconut oil, in particular, can add a unique flavor and is a great option for reducing trans fats.
- Almond Flour Alternatives: If you need to make this cake without almond flour, you can substitute it with ground oats or sunflower seed flour, which will give a similar texture and nutritional profile, while keeping the cake gluten-free and nut-free.
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.
Best Ways to Serve the Cake:
To elevate the experience of enjoying Floral Almond Semolina Cake, here are a few presentation tips:
- Serve with Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of mint tea, a popular drink in North Africa. The refreshing and herbal notes of mint complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the cake, making it a perfect end to a meal.
- Add a Garnish: Top the cake with fresh fruit like berries or slices of citrus for an added burst of freshness and color. This also helps to balance the sweetness with some acidity.
- Presentation Tip: For a festive touch, consider arranging the cake on a decorative platter, garnished with whole almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar. This gives it a sophisticated look, ideal for celebrations and special occasions.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Can I replace the ingredients of the cake?
- Yes, you can replace almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, or even omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. For sweeteners, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be used in place of regular sugar for a more natural option.
How long can the cake be stored?
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month.
Can I make the cake without almond flour?
- Yes, you can replace almond flour with more semolina to achieve a firmer texture. If you’re looking for a different flavor, consider using coconut flour or even oat flour.
Can I make the cake healthier?
- To make the cake healthier, you can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Additionally, reduce the sugar content or substitute it with healthier alternatives like stevia, agave syrup, or dates.
What are the health benefits of the cake?
- The cake provides quick energy from sugar, while the almonds offer healthy fats and proteins, along with vitamin E, which promotes skin health. Semolina is rich in fiber, helping with digestion and providing a feeling of fullness, making it a balanced dessert. However, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
Nutrition Value (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.
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