Smid Bi Halib
Get ready to indulge in a timeless Middle Eastern sweet: Smid b Halib (meaning "Semolina with Milk"). This comforting dessert transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying treat. Imagine a creamy, tender semolina pudding baked to golden perfection, with a delightful crispy crust and fragrant floral notes. It's pure warmth in every bite!This Golden Baked Semolina Delight offers a unique blend of textures and comforting flavors. The base is a smooth, luscious semolina pudding, cooked to creamy perfection with milk and sugar, then infused with the delicate essence of rose and orange blossom water. Once poured into a baking dish, it's crowned with a layer of butter and breadcrumbs, which bake into an irresistible golden, slightly crisp crust.Smid b Halib is more than just a pudding; it's a comforting embrace, a taste of tradition that's perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a quiet moment of indulgence.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare Your Oven & Baking Dish:
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Generously spread some butter across the entire bottom surface of an oven-safe dish (an 8x8 inch square dish or a similarly sized round dish works well) the dish.
- Evenly sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs over the buttered bottom. This will create a lovely base crust and prevent sticking.Bread Crumbs
Prepare the Creamy Semolina Base:
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot, combine the milk, fine semolina flour, and sugar.3 Cups Milk, 1 Cup Semolina Flour, 2 Tbsp Sugar
- Mix well with a whisk or spoon to dissolve the sugar and prevent lumps.
- Transfer the pot to medium heat. Continue to stir constantly (this is important!) to prevent the milk from scorching or the semolina from sticking to the bottom.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens considerably to a pudding-like consistency.
- Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the semolina mixture.30 G Butter
- Finally, stir in the orange blossom water and rose water. Mix well until the fragrant essences are evenly distributed.1 Tbsp Orange Blossom Water, 1 Tbsp Rose Water
Assemble and Top the Smid b Halib:
- Carefully pour the hot semolina mixture into your prepared oven-safe baking dish.
- Gently adjust and smooth the top of the mixture with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Arrange thin slices of butter evenly over the entire surface of the semolina mixture. These will melt into a delicious, golden crust as it bakes.100 G Butter
- Generously sprinkle a final layer of breadcrumbs over the butter slices, ensuring the entire top is covered. This is key for that signature crispy top!Bread Crumbs
Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden-brown and the edges are bubbling slightly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Smid b Halib to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This allows it to set properly.
Nutrition
Notes
Serving suggestions:
Traditionally, Smid b Halib is served with a drizzle of cold sugar syrup (Ater/Qater) over each slice just before eating, allowing individuals to sweeten to their preference. Slice into squares or diamonds and enjoy this comforting, aromatic dessert!
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