South Lebanese Semolina Porridge
Thick semolina porridge sweetened with honey and enriched with butter — the traditional breakfast of South Lebanese fishermen and coastal workers. Simple, sustaining, and eaten from a communal bowl at dawn.
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All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 200 g coarse semolina (smid)
- 700 ml water
- 4 tbsp honey
- 50 g salted butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the salt.
- Pour the semolina into the boiling water in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low. Switch from a whisk to a wooden spoon. Stir continuously for 12–15 minutes as the porridge thickens. It is ready when it begins to pull away from the sides of the pot.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the butter until melted and absorbed.
- Transfer to a large shallow bowl or divide into individual bowls.
- Drizzle generously with honey. Dust with cinnamon.
- Eat hot, from the center outward.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Lebanese Semolina Porridge?
Thick semolina porridge sweetened with honey and enriched with butter — the traditional breakfast of South Lebanese fishermen and coastal workers. Simple, sustaining, and eaten from a communal bowl at dawn.
Where is South Lebanese Semolina Porridge from?
South Lebanese Semolina Porridge comes from Lebanese South. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is South Lebanese Semolina Porridge vegetarian?
As written, South Lebanese Semolina Porridge contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of ground cinnamon in South Lebanese Semolina Porridge?
The ground cinnamon called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives South Lebanese Semolina Porridge its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with South Lebanese Semolina Porridge?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, South Lebanese Semolina Porridge is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make South Lebanese Semolina Porridge ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.