Namoura
Dense semolina cake soaked through with fragrant rose water syrup, topped with a single blanched almond on each square. Namoura is the everyday Lebanese semolina cake — denser and less sweet than harisseh, with a more pronounced rose water character.
Cook this hands-free
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
- 2.5 cups fine semolina
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 80 g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 20 whole blanched almonds
- 1.5 cups sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup water (for syrup)
- 2 tbsp rose water
Instructions
- Make the syrup: boil sugar and water for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add rose water. Cool completely.
- Melt butter and cool slightly.
- Combine semolina, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add yogurt and melted butter. Mix well — the batter will be thick.
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan with tahini. Spread batter evenly.
- Score the surface deeply into diamonds or squares. Place one almond in the center of each piece.
- Rest 20 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately pour all of the cold syrup over the hot cake.
- Wait 30 minutes before cutting. Serve at room temperature.
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 Namoura?
Dense semolina cake soaked through with fragrant rose water syrup, topped with a single blanched almond on each square. Namoura is the everyday Lebanese semolina cake — denser and less sweet than harisseh, with a more pronounced rose water character.
Where is Namoura from?
Namoura comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Namoura vegetarian?
As written, Namoura 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 fine semolina in Namoura?
The fine semolina called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Namoura 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 Namoura?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Namoura 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 Namoura 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.