Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Basbousa

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 9 tbsp butter, softened
• 1.8 cups fine semolina
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
• Pistachios (for topping)

For the Chai Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 chai tea bags
• 5 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp orange juice

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Instructions:

1. Make the Chai Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup water. Add the chai tea bags, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the spices and steep the tea.
• Remove the tea bags and spices, then stir in the butter and orange juice. Set the chai syrup aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin purée, mixing until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the semolina, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

3. Bake the Basbousa:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
• Once baked, remove the basbousa from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan.

4. Soak the Cake:

• While the cake is still warm, pour the prepared chai syrup over it, making sure the syrup is absorbed into the cake.
• Allow the basbousa to absorb the syrup and cool completely.

5. Serve:

• Once cooled, slice the basbousa into squares or diamond shapes.
• Garnish with pistachios for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Enjoy your Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Basbousa as a perfect treat with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet end to any meal!

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Notes:

• If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, you can steep the tea bags for a longer time during the syrup-making process.
• You can also experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for topping.