Sfoof
A golden, fragrant semolina and turmeric cake with a moist crumb, often made for celebrations and school days alike.
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 cups Fine semolina
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1.5 cups Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 tbsp Pine nuts or blanched almonds
- 1 tbsp Tahini (for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with tahini — this gives sfoof its traditional flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine semolina, flour, sugar, turmeric, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the milk and oil (or melted butter) to the dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth, pourable batter forms.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes — this allows the semolina to hydrate.
- Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Scatter pine nuts or almonds across the top in a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then cut into diamond or square shapes.
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 Sfoof?
A golden, fragrant semolina and turmeric cake with a moist crumb, often made for celebrations and school days alike.
Where is Sfoof from?
Sfoof 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 Sfoof vegetarian?
As written, Sfoof 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 turmeric in Sfoof?
The ground turmeric called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Sfoof 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 Sfoof?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Sfoof 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 Sfoof 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.