Basbousa bil Zabadi
Basbousa bil Zabadi, also known as Yogurt Basbousa, is a beloved Middle Eastern semolina cake known for its soft, moist texture and sweet, tangy flavor. The batter is uniquely made with yogurt (zabadi) along with semolina, sugar, and butter or oil, and it's often soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup after baking. It is a staple dessert across Egypt, the Levant, and the broader Arab world.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dessert is high in carbohydrates and fats, providing a quick source of energy. A typical serving offers key nutrients like calcium from the yogurt and some B vitamins from the semolina, with a rough calorie estimate of 350-450 kcal per piece.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.2 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 18 mg |
| Selenium | 6 µg |
| Folate | 20 µg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of yogurt in the batter is a clever technique that not only adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness but also reacts with baking soda to create a wonderfully light and tender crumb. It's a classic example of how simple pantry ingredients can be transformed into a sophisticated and comforting treat.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms