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Sfouf (Semolina Turmeric Cake)

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Stouf  on a platter
Photo by Julia Gartland

The combination of turmeric and semolina flour gives this simple cake a beautiful sunny yellow hue and slightly nutty flavor. It is unusual in that it contains no eggs or butter, and if you’d like to make a vegan version, you need only substitute your favorite plant-based milk for the whole milk. Sfouf is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee, particularly during festive occasions and family gatherings.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 minutes

  • Yield

    6–8 servings

Ingredients

½ cup canola oil, plus more for the baking pan
1 cup fine semolina flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. ground turmeric
1½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup pine nuts (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush an 8" round baking pan with canola oil.

    Step 2

    In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup fine semolina flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp. ground turmeric, 1½ tsp. baking powder, and ¼ tsp. kosher salt. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and ½ cup canola oil until smooth. Whisk in 1 cup whole milk until well blended. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture and whisk just until blended. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top with ¼ cup pine nuts, if using.

    Step 3

    Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached, 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares or diamonds to serve.

Cover of cookbook Setting a Place for Us with food and travel photos
Reprinted with permission from Setting a Place for Us by Hawa Hassan, copyright © 2025. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Food photography by Julia Gartland. All travel photos for Congo, El Salvador, Lebanon, and Liberia are taken by Riley Dengler. The Afghanistan travel photos are taken by Omer Khan, Mahab Azizi, and Belal Mostamandi. The Egypt travel photos are taken by Doaa Elkayd. The Iraq travel photos are taken by Aline Deschamps. The Yemen travel photos are taken by Somaya Samawl. Get the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
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