Revani is a delectable semolina cake soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, often infused with zesty citrus flavors like orange or lemon. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire, this dessert has transcended borders to become a beloved treat in various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The cake's moist texture, achieved through the use of semolina, is complemented by the sweet tanginess of the syrup, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Today, revani continues to be cherished in homes and enjoyed in cafes across the world, offering a taste of history and tradition with every bite.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fine semolina

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)

- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional)

For the syrup:

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 cup water

- Juice of 1 lemon or orange

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, yogurt, vegetable oil, baking powder, and citrus zest if using. Mix until well combined.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and citrus juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the hot cake, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish, allowing it to absorb the syrup.

8. Once cooled, garnish with sliced almonds or pistachios if desired.

9. Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve. Enjoy your deliciously moist revani!

Nutrition Value:

1. 1 cup fine semolina:

 - Calories: Approximately 601 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: About 122 grams

 - Protein: Roughly 19 grams

 - Fat: Almost 2 grams

 - Sodium: Very low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: Contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

 - Nutritional benefit: Semolina is a good source of energy and provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

2. 1 cup sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 774 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: About 200 grams

 - Protein: None

 - Fat: None-

 - Sodium: Very low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

 - Nutritional benefit: Provides a quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and carbohydrate content.

3. 1 cup plain yogurt:

 - Calories: Approximately 150 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: About 12 grams

 - Protein: Roughly 8 grams

 - Fat: Around 8 gram

 - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, usually moderate

 - Cholesterol: Varies depending on brand, usually low

 - Vitamins and minerals: Contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and probiotics.

 - Nutritional benefit: Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, promotes gut health due to probiotics, and supports bone health.

4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil:

 - Calories: Approximately 960 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: None

 - Protein: None

 - Fat: About 109 grams

 - Sodium: Very low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin E and small amounts of vitamin K.

 - Nutritional benefit: Provides a source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are important for heart health.

5. 1 teaspoon baking powder:

 - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: About 1 gram

 - Protein: None

 - Fat: None

 - Sodium: Approximately 500 mg

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

 - Nutritional benefit: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

6. Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional):

 - Calories: Negligible

 - Carbohydrates: Negligible

 - Protein: Negligible

 - Fat: Negligible

 - Sodium: Negligible

 - Cholesterol: Negligible

 - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

 - Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and aroma to the cake, as well as a small amount of vitamin C.

7. 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional):

 - Calories: Approximately 160 kcal (almonds) or 160 kcal (pistachios)

 - Carbohydrates: About 6 grams (almonds) or 8 grams (pistachios)

 - Protein: Roughly 6 grams (almonds) or 6 grams (pistachios)

 - Fat: Around 14 grams (almonds) or 13 grams (pistachios)

 - Sodium: Varies depending on processing, usually low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium (almonds) or vitamin B6, thiamine, and phosphorus (pistachios).

 - Nutritional benefit: Adds crunch, flavor, and texture to the cake, as well as healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

For the syrup:

1. 1 cup sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 774 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: About 200 grams

 - Protein: None

 - Fat: None

 - Sodium: Very low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

 - Nutritional benefit: Provides a quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and carbohydrate content.

2. 1 cup water:

 - Calories: None

 - Carbohydrates: None

 - Protein: None

 - Fat: None

 - Sodium: None

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: None

 - Nutritional benefit: Hydrates the body and serves as a solvent for dissolving the sugar to make the syrup.

3. Juice of 1 lemon or orange:

 - Calories: Approximately 12 kcal (lemon) or 60 kcal (orange)

 - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams (lemon) or 15 grams (orange)

 - Protein: Less than 1 gram (lemon) or Less than 1 gram (orange)

 - Fat: Less than 1 gram (lemon) or Less than 1 gram (orange)

 - Sodium: Very low

 - Cholesterol: None

 - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamin C, also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as potassium, folate, and vitamin A.

 - Nutritional benefit: Provides acidity and citrus flavor to the syrup, as well as a good dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.