Turmeric gives this traditional Lebanese cake a gorgeous golden colour. It tastes nutty and slightly sweet. And it’s 100% vegan – no eggs or dairy needed! This bright yellow cake is called sfouf.
- It’s made from essential pantry items like flour, sugar, and plant-based milk.
- The beautiful colour comes from turmeric, a warm, earthy spice.
- Pine nuts on top add a delicious crunch and nutty flavour.
- This cake is naturally vegan, so that anyone can enjoy it. Have you ever had a unique Middle Eastern treat that brightened your day? Read on to discover the delights of sfouf!
What is Sfouf?
Sfouf (pronounced s-foof) means lines in Arabic. This describes how the cake gets cut into square or diamond shapes. Its brilliant yellow comes from turmeric, a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking and medicine.
Sfouf belongs to the semolina cake family. Semolina is a flour made from durum wheat. It gives the cake a slightly nutty, gritty texture. You get an earthy, subtly-sweet flavour experience with the turmeric and pine nuts.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients Don’t be intimidated – sfouf only needs a few simple ingredients:
- Semolina flour
- White flour
- Cane sugar
- Turmeric
- Baking powder
- Plant-based milk like almond or oat milk
- Oil like sunflower or coconut oil
- Pine nuts: That’s it! This naturally vegan cake needs no butter, eggs, or dairy.
An Ancient Lebanese Tradition
Photo Credit – Flickr
Sfouf has been a beloved part of Lebanese culture for centuries. It’s often enjoyed with coffee or tea as a snack or sweet treat. You’ll find sfouf on most special occasions and holidays, too.
In the past, four were made with clarified butter (semen). Today’s vegan version keeps the authentic flavours using plant-based ingredients. However, the preparation method has stayed the same for generations.
A Simple Baking Ritual
- Mix the dry semolina mix with the wet sugar mix
- Grease the pan with tahini (sesame seed paste) for extra nuttiness
- Pour in the batter and top with pine nuts
- Bake until fragrant, and the nuts turn golden brown
Once cooled, the cake gets cut into squares, rectangles or diamond shapes. The geometric lines explain its Arabic name, ‘sfouf’.
A Versatile Anytime Treat
Despite its traditional roots, sfouf’s simplicity makes it an incredibly versatile treat:
- Start your day with a square and coffee for breakfast
- Pack it in a lunchbox for a tasty mid-day snack
- Enjoy a slice for an afternoon pick-me-up with tea
- Indulge in it for a light, vegan-friendly dessert
No matter when you eat it, four’s warm turmeric aroma and slightly gritty texture provide a comforting taste of Lebanon.
Conclusion
Sfouf proves unique flavours can come from humble, wholesome ingredients. This golden vegan cake lets you experience an authentic taste of Middle Eastern culture. Its stunning colour, earthy spice notes, and light texture create a delightful snack or dessert.
Have you tried the vibrant delights of Lebanese turmeric cake before? If not, will you seek out this flavour-packed yet straightforward treat? Let me know in the comments!
Photo Credit – Flickr
