Shambali facts for kids
Shambali (pronounced Sham-bah-LEE) is a yummy sweet cake from Turkey. It's made from a special kind of flour called semolina, which gives it a unique texture. After baking, the cake is soaked in sweet syrup, making it moist and delicious. Often, it has crunchy peanuts on top and is cut into rectangular pieces.
This tasty dessert is also known in many countries that were once part of the Ottoman Empire. Its name, "Shambali," actually means "Damascus honey" (Turkish: Şam balı). Because of this, it's sometimes called the Damascus dessert (Turkish: Şam tatlısı).
Contents
What is Semolina?
Semolina is a type of coarse flour. It is made from durum wheat. This flour is often used to make pasta, couscous, and many sweet desserts like Shambali. It gives the cake a slightly grainy, yet soft, texture.
Sweet Syrup and Toppings
The sweet syrup used for Shambali is usually made from sugar, water, and sometimes a little lemon juice. This syrup is poured over the hot cake, letting it soak in and become wonderfully sweet. While peanuts are a common topping, other versions might use almonds or other nuts.
Similar Desserts Around the World
Shambali is very similar to other desserts found across the Middle East, the Balkans, and North Africa. One well-known relative is called Basbousa. These cakes often share the same main ingredients like semolina and sweet syrup. They are popular treats, especially during holidays and special gatherings.
Images for kids
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Basbousa in the Middle East, the Balkans, North Africa, East Africa topped with almonds
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Vegan Basbousa (Egg replaced by apple sauce)
See also
In Spanish: Basbusa para niños
