🍴 Asbusa 🍴
Asbusa is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert also known as “Hareeseh” or “Harissa” in some regions. It is a sweet, semolina-based confection that’s soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup and garnished with various toppings. This treat is known for its unique texture, which is both crispy and soft, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.
📜 History:
The history of Asbusa can be traced back to the Middle East, where it has been enjoyed for generations. This dessert is particularly popular in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Its origins likely date back centuries, and it has become a beloved part of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
🥣 Components:
The basic components of Asbusa include:
- Semolina: This is the main ingredient and provides the unique texture. It’s a coarse wheat flour that’s slightly gritty.
- Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and flavor to the dessert.
- Sugar: For both the semolina mixture and the sugar syrup.
- Milk: Provides moisture to the semolina mixture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the dessert rise and become light and fluffy.
For the sugar syrup:
- Sugar: Creates the sweet syrup.
- Water: To dissolve the sugar and create the syrup.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon adds a pleasant tang to the syrup.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Asbusa:
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Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent crystallization.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until it thickens slightly. Set aside.
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Prepare the Semolina Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, melted butter or ghee, milk, and baking powder.
- Mix until you have a thick, smooth batter.
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Baking Asbusa:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish or tray.
- Pour the semolina mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Using a knife, score the surface into diamond or square shapes.
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Baking and Soaking:
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until it’s golden brown and the edges start to crisp.
- Remove it from the oven and immediately pour the prepared sugar syrup over the hot Asbusa. It will sizzle, and the dessert will absorb the syrup.
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Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the Asbusa to cool and absorb the syrup.
- You can garnish it with crushed pistachios, almonds, or shredded coconut.
⏰ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Asbusa is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, including both preparation and baking time.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Asbusa, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends! 😋🍰🍯
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asbusa:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
- Sodium: 20-30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 3-5 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: Asbusa is a sweet dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation. The sugar and fat content can be high, so it’s best as an occasional treat.
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Semolina: Semolina is a good source of energy but is a refined grain. It’s important to balance your diet with whole grains for better fiber intake.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. It’s easy to overindulge in sweet desserts like Asbusa, which can lead to excessive calorie intake.
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Sugar Content: The sugar syrup in Asbusa contains a significant amount of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption may lead to health issues like weight gain, dental problems, and blood sugar spikes.
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Balanced Diet: Enjoy Asbusa as part of a balanced diet. Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
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Allergens: If you have allergies to ingredients like nuts or dairy, be cautious about the toppings and any variations of Asbusa.
Remember that individual nutritional values may vary based on the specific recipe and serving size. It’s always a good idea to consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
