Making a Kuwaiti saffron cake is a delightful culinary experience. Saffron, known for its rich and aromatic flavor, is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern desserts, including Kuwaiti cuisine. Here's a recipe to guide you through making a delicious Kuwaiti saffron cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped pistachios or almonds
- Saffron threads
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Set it aside for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the milk with saffron flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the soaked saffron-milk mixture and the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/4 cup of milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, saffron threads, rose water (if using), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Simmer the syrup for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake.
Pour the prepared saffron syrup slowly and evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan, and then transfer it to a serving plate.
Optional: Garnish the cake with chopped pistachios or almonds and saffron threads for a beautiful finishing touch.
Now, your delicious Kuwaiti saffron cake is ready to be served and enjoyed! The saffron-infused syrup adds a wonderful fragrance and flavor, making this cake a delightful treat for any occasion.