Sfouf bil Tamer
A dense, golden semolina cake fragrant with turmeric, made with date paste in place of refined sugar — the southern Lebanese adaptation of the classic sfouf, from villages where date palms were more common than cane sugar.
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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
- 2 cups fine semolina
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups date paste
- 1.5 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 0.75 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with tahini and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Blend pitted dates with warm water until a smooth, uniform paste forms.
- Whisk semolina, flour, turmeric, and baking powder together in a large bowl.
- Add date paste, oil, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a thick, even batter forms.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Press pine nuts across the surface in a diamond or grid pattern.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the surface is deep gold.
- Cool completely before cutting into diamond shapes. The cake firms as it cools.
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 Sfouf bil Tamer?
A dense, golden semolina cake fragrant with turmeric, made with date paste in place of refined sugar — the southern Lebanese adaptation of the classic sfouf, from villages where date palms were more common than cane sugar.
Where is Sfouf bil Tamer from?
Sfouf bil Tamer 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 Sfouf bil Tamer vegetarian?
As written, Sfouf bil Tamer 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 Sfouf bil Tamer?
The ground turmeric called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Sfouf bil Tamer 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 Sfouf bil Tamer?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Sfouf bil Tamer 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 Sfouf bil Tamer 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.