Sfouf is a sweet anise-infused cake decorated with almonds that is popular in Lebanon. The dessert gets its beautiful golden hue from turmeric, a powerful antioxidant with anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a simple, healthy, low fat and easy-to-make cake bound to wow you and your loved ones!

Sfouf: Lebanese Almond and Turmeric Cake [Vegan]

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 2 tablespoons aniseed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup almonds, blanched, peeled, and halved
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Preparation

  1. Grease and line the bottom of one 8-inch round cake pan. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Boil water. Add aniseed, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain the aniseed tea and keep aside until lukewarm.
  4. In a large bowl whisk together semolina, all-purpose flour, baking powder, turmeric powder ,and caster sugar.
  5. Add anise tea and oil to dry ingredients and mix well.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Decorate with almond halves.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it is done. If it is not clean, bake for another 5-6 minutes.
  8. Remove from the pan after 10 minutes sitting out. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto the cooling rack.
  9. Slice when cold.

Notes

You can substitute water with non-dairy milk. In that case, add ground aniseed to the milk. You may also use toasted sesame seeds and pine nuts for decoration.

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  • Turmeric
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