Saffron Pistachio Basbousa is a dessert that dances on your taste buds, with its fluffy texture and nutty, aromatic flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden square that feels like a warm hug from grandma—sweet, fragrant, and just the right amount of chewy.

Every bite of this delightful treat transports me back to sun-drenched afternoons spent at family gatherings, where laughter mingled with the scent of freshly baked goodies. This basbousa is perfect for any celebration or simply as an indulgent treat after a long day. Get ready to wow your taste buds!

Ingredients for Saffron Pistachio Basbousa

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Semolina: This is the star ingredient that gives basbousa its signature texture. Choose fine semolina for best results.
• Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten the batter and create a luscious syrup later on.
• Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that helps the basbousa rise to fluffy perfection.
• Unsweetened Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds moisture and makes the basbousa rich without being overly heavy.
• Vegetable Oil: Opt for a neutral oil like canola or sunflower to keep flavors balanced without overpowering the dish.
• Saffron Threads: These precious threads add a luxurious flavor and beautiful golden hue—don’t skimp!
• Pistachios: Chopped pistachios provide a delightful crunch and complement the saffron beautifully.
• Water: Necessary for creating the sweet syrup that soaks into the baked basbousa, giving it that irresistible moistness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Saffron Pistachio Basbousa

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a square baking dish with a bit of vegetable oil or nonstick spray. You want it slick enough so your basbousa doesn’t get stuck, like you trying to escape from awkward small talk at parties.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together semolina, sugar, and baking powder until well combined. It should look like sand on a beach—only tastier!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix yogurt and vegetable oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Take in that creamy goodness—this will help keep our basbousa moist.

Step 4: Infuse with Saffron

Soak saffron threads in two tablespoons of warm water for about five minutes. This step releases all those lovely flavors. Trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Combine the wet and dry ingredients along with the saffron infusion in one bowl. Mix until just combined; think of this as giving your ingredients a lovely spa day—gentle but effective.

Step 6: Add Pistachios & Bake

Fold in chopped pistachios gently into the batter before pouring it into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top—like freshly toasted marshmallows but without the campfire drama.

Once it’s done baking, let it cool while you prepare your syrup.

Transfer this golden beauty to plates and drizzle generously with syrup before serving for that perfect finishing touch!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Saffron Pistachio Basbousa, start by preparing the syrup first so it can cool while you bake. Mix your batter and layer on pistachios before sliding it into the oven for a golden finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Basbousa by swapping out pistachios for almonds or walnuts. You can also enhance the flavor with a hint of cardamom or top it with coconut flakes for an extra tropical twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Saffron Pistachio Basbousa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

The first time I made Saffron Pistachio Basbousa was during a family gathering, and let me tell you, my cousin nearly proposed to me over dessert!

FAQs :

What is Saffron Pistachio Basbousa?

Saffron Pistachio Basbousa is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert made from semolina, sugar, and yogurt. This version features the aromatic essence of saffron and the crunch of pistachios, making it uniquely flavorful. The dessert is soaked in a sweet syrup after baking, resulting in a moist and tender texture. It’s perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat any time of year. You can easily customize it with additional toppings or flavors to suit your taste preferences.

How do I store Saffron Pistachio Basbousa?

To store Saffron Pistachio Basbousa, let it cool completely after baking. Place the cooled dessert in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I make Saffron Pistachio Basbousa gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Saffron Pistachio Basbousa gluten-free by using gluten-free semolina alternatives available on the market. Look for products specifically labeled as gluten-free semolina or use ground almonds or coconut flour as substitutes. Adjusting the recipe may require some experimentation, but the end result will be a delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy without compromising on taste or texture.

What variations can I try with Saffron Pistachio Basbousa?

You can explore various variations of Saffron Pistachio Basbousa by adding different flavors and textures. Consider incorporating other nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch. You might also experiment with flavorings like orange blossom water or rose water to enhance the aroma. For those who enjoy citrus, adding lemon or orange zest will brighten the flavor profile. Each variation offers a unique twist while retaining the classic charm of this beloved dessert.

Conclusion for Saffron Pistachio Basbousa :

Saffron Pistachio Basbousa offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevate this traditional dessert. With its rich semolina base infused with saffron and topped with crunchy pistachios, it’s sure to impress both family and friends. Storing leftovers is easy, allowing you to savor this treat over several days. Furthermore, feel free to experiment with variations to keep things exciting! Enjoy preparing and sharing this delectable dish at your next gathering or celebration.

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Saffron Pistachio Basbousa

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 9 pieces 1x

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Description

Saffron Pistachio Basbousa is a luscious Middle Eastern dessert that brings together the rich flavors of saffron and the crunch of pistachios in a delightful semolina cake. This sweet treat is soaked in syrup, resulting in a moist, aromatic dessert perfect for celebrations or as a comforting indulgence. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, Saffron Pistachio Basbousa is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup fine semolina
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsweetened yogurt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ tsp saffron threads
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• 1 cup water (for syrup)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together semolina, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix yogurt and vegetable oil until smooth.
4. Soak saffron threads in two tablespoons of warm water for five minutes; then add to the wet mixture.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then gently fold in chopped pistachios.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While baking, prepare the syrup by boiling sugar and water until slightly thickened; let cool before pouring over the warm basbousa.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (70g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For variations, swap pistachios with almonds or walnuts for different textures. Enhance flavor with cardamom, orange blossom water, or sprinkle coconut flakes on top before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.