Greek Semolina Pudding Cake (VEGAN)

Χαλβάς κέικ

Serves 10-12:

For the syrup:
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 cup Greek Honey
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
juice of an orange

For the pudding:
2 cups semolina flour
1 cup vegetable oil
​1/2 cup sliced, soaked almonds (or blanched almond slices)
1/2 - 3/4 cup dried cranberries
​zest of 2 oranges
​seeds of 2 cardamom pods
​1/4 teaspoon salt

​Begin by making the syrup.
​Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves and orange juice in a small pot.
​Bring to a boil and stir until sugar has dissolved.
Remove from heat and add honey. Stir.
​In a pot, toast cardamom seeds with oil, salt, and semolina flour over medium heat about 10 minutes or until golden. Keep stirring so that the semolina does not burn.
​Add cranberries and toast 1-2 minutes more.
​Discard cinnamon stick and cloves from syrup.
​Reduce the heat to low under the semolina pot and carefully pour the syrup into it. The mixture will bubble up vigorously so be very careful.
​Cook the pudding over medium heat while stirring about 10 minutes. It will be ready when all of the syrup is absorbed and it begins to release from the sides of the pot.
Add slice almonds and orange zest. Stir well to combine.
​Spoon the pudding into a decorative Bundt cake mold. Press it in to compress with a spatula. This will help it stick together and will release easily from the pan.
Allow to rest at least 15 minutes.
Invert onto a serving platter or cake stand. Tap all around to help release.
​Allow to cool completely before serving.
​Serve as is or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream
Enjoy!

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[radwaawad]

We call this Sad Elhanak in Egypt. After seeing your recipes i discovered that the Egyptian cuisine and the Greek cuisine are very very close but you guys use philo in savory dishes much more than we do. We do a lot of sweets with it. Thanks for sharing these delicious recipes.

[ted]

I've had this a few times. It was incredible. But it didn't have cranberries or nuts. I bet this knocks it out of the park. Your cooking is amazing. And you're a natural teacher as well.

[kaybrown]

I left out the nuts for a friend who’s allergic to them, but I can’t wait to taste this halva. Putting cardamom in it is a great twist!

[makisp.]

You've done a great job demonstrating this dessert.
Now, I have to try making it!

[maryfuentes]

Looks delicious, definitely I will make it. I love semolina, thanks.soo much!

[bigjake]

Yea ! I just ordered your cookbook! I’m a hold it in my hands recipe follower vs on electronic devices

[lilybalderrabano]

I am a vegatarian and just love your vegatarian meals and desserts.By the way..I cooked spanish/meditaranian food with meat for mij (adult)children.

[maryyiamarelos]

I made this yesterday. So easy and so good. Great for lent. Thanks for the inspiration.xx

[SparrowStockwell]

Oh, my goodness. What a dream it is! I want to make it.

[BethyKable]

Looks delicious, as always, and can’t wait to try it !!! Greek deserts are full of honey which I love and so much healthier than regular sugar !

[wafacabriales]

Hello my dear Dimitra. That pudding cake looks so so yummy. I want to make it soon. Thank you for sharing this good recipe with us🌸💜🌸💖🌸

[meerabohra]

Thank for recipe, India we called halva every special occasions we must mk this dish.

[tereherrera]

excelent recipe I like it ..congratulations thank you

[Marmarikaa]

Dimitra, have you ever made halva with milk/water and butter? I usually do but made it with oil like my mom usually does this time. Sometimes when halva pops into your memory...you have to make it! 😍 childhood memories of our mamas burning their hands when adding the syrup...and the delicious smell!

[collectiveconsciousness]

Είσαι μια θεά! Η συνταγή αυτή μοιάζει με της γιαγιάς μου! oh the memories :)

[ethelnewberry]

Thank you for a quick reply. You are such a young lady to be cooking all this wonderful looking food. Did you go to cooking school, or did Grandma and Mom show you the way to do it? Or, is it natural born talent?

[abhilashn]

Its called kesari bath in India and we consume it regularly with breakfast

[Ellengin]

Hi Dimitra, the ingredients list says 1/2 cup of Almonds but you say to use 3/4 to 1 cup in the video, which one is the correct amount?

[lubaczuj]

Please how can i buy your rise cooker

[louvega]

Cloves are like cooking advice from a Greek husband....less is more!