--- Watch Anjum Anand make her savoury semolina loaf in Indian Food Made Easy, Wednesdays at 7.30pm on SBS Food Channel 33 from 15 July to 19 August, with season two following in September. Episodes are available on SBS On Demand after they air ---
The creamy-yellow grains of semolina are most often made by grinding durum wheat, although you might also find rice or corn semolina too. It varies from fine to coarse, from yellowish to pale, but what unites them all is that semolina can be transformed into a world of delicious cakes and bakes, from a veg-strong savoury Indian loaf to sweet, sticky desserts.
"These easily-made cakes (you just stir everything together) are typical of sweets found in the cuisines of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, where ground nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts) and semolina are widely used. Their slightly gritty texture works beautifully with the infused sugar syrup," says Leanne Kitchen of her recipe for these sweet citrusy cakes.
Ricotta, cream, eggs, semolina and sesame come together in this Greek dessert, which is like a crustless cheesecake.
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"This savoury cake is spongy, crispy on the edges and replete with the textures of the vegetables. It is light and satisfying, easy to make and takes care of itself in the oven," says Anjum Anand of her version of an Indian classic. "It hails from the Gujarati community but is my cheats’ version; no soaking or grinding required."
This is a fragrant, sweet, lightly spiced cake with a moist chewy inside and a crunchy exterior. The recipe is a three-generation family favourite.
This Egyptian recipe for sweet semolina cake is incredibly easy to make. It's topped with divine rosewater and lemon syrup.
In Gabriel Gaté's recipe, the cooked lemon, semolina and pistachio cake is soaked in a lemon syrup. "It’s a beautiful cake that seems to please everyone," he says.
A delightful Turkish dessert with a zesty lemon glaze that keeps it moist and sticky, and is best served with piping hot Turkish coffee, this recipe comes from Somer Sivrioglu.
A sweet semolina custard is at the heart of this Greek dessert, wrapped in layers of buttered filo.
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A breakfast staple that also serves well as a side dish, these vegetarian semolina cakes are spiced with curry leaf, mustard seeds and coriander.
"A staple during Naples' Carnival festivities, migliaccio is the region's rustic semolina and lemon cake which is made rich and moist with the ricotta," says Silvia Colloca.
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