Samali ( Greek Semolina Dessert ) |
Traditionally, this dessert is often made with dairy products, such as Greek Yogurt. But, since the Greek Orthodox Church encourages "fasting" - part of which is keeping a mostly Vegan diet - there are also some Vegan versions of the recipe.
Samali Dough being prepared for baking - Dough scored in diamonds and Blanched Almonds being added. |
Golden Baked Samali, before Syrup is added. |
Fasting Samali ( SHAH-mah-lee )
Mix Together
2 ½ cup Semolina
1 cup Sugar1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Then Stir in
¾ cup Orange Juice/Mixed Fruit Juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
Press into 8 x 8 square cake pan (if it is not non-stick, you may want to oil it)
Score a diamond pattern on the surface (don't cut all the way through).
Press one Blanched Almond* in the center of each diamond
Syrup
Bring just to a boil, then allow to cool while Samali bakes:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water1 tablespoon syrup-type sweetener such as Agave or Corn Syrup. (Honey is traditional, if you use it)
Bake Samali 350degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes - or till golden brown.
Remove from oven and spread with
1 heaped teaspoon Margarine or Buttery Spread (such as Earth Balance)
cut diamonds all the way through.
Pop back in the oven for 5 more minutes.
Remove from oven and pour syrup over the top. It will seem like way too much, and will rise above the level of the dessert- but then in a few minutes it will soak in.
Store at room temperature (not in refrigerator).
I like to make this in the morning to be eaten at dinner the same day.
*If you buy Almonds which are not blanched already, bring water to a boil and drop in raw almonds. Boil for one minute and cool. Then twist them in your fingers, and the skins slip right off. This is a job that my young daughter can enjoy helping with - not at all difficult : )
This is being shared at Weekend Wonders
This is being shared at Weekend Wonders
I'm so hungry and this looks so good! I soooooo wish you were closer I would swipe some from your stash! LOL :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great...when we went to church in Summerville, SC, there were so many Greeks there. I think I've had this before. Do you not use honey? I plan on using honey when I make it!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to let me know how it turns out when you make it, Martha! : )
DeleteI am hoping I can use farina instead of semolina.
DeleteThis is my Armenian hubby's favorite kind of pastry, and I have never been able to find a recipe for it, I'm so excited to make an attempt at this as a special surprise for him - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted! It is certainly a most-favorite dessert in our house : ) Let me know how it goes - I'll look forward to hearing!
DeleteI'm about to embark on my first vegan Pascha and you saved my life! I wanted a Greek dessert to add to the table. Already have vegan cakes and I hadn't thought of samali!
ReplyDelete