FoodHopp

Name: Authentic Basbousa Bil Lahem Wal Za'atar Wal Bathin (Savory Semolina Cake with Meat and Za'atar) from Saudi Arabia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Saudi Arabia
Ingredients: *For the Sugar Syrup:**; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional); *For the Filling (Bathin):**; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 250 grams ground lamb or beef (minced meat); 1 large tomato, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; *For the Semolina Batter (Basbousa):**; 2 cups coarse semolina; 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted ghee; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup milk (if needed for consistency); *For Garnish:**; 1/4 cup blanched almonds or pine nuts; 1 tablespoon za'atar