episode 140
Habibi, What’s Cooking? Sfouf!
With Amale Chamseddine
Introduction
Hi listeners! So glad to have you join me today to learn all about Sfouf, the recipe contributed by today’s guest, Amale Chamseddine of Habibi What’s Cooking!
Now, sfouf is a gorgeous golden Lebanese cake that’s very easy and quick to make. In Lebanon, Amale and her family would just buy Sfouf from the famous Lebanese bakeries, where it is made daily.
When Amale was still a child, however, the prime minister of Lebanon was assassinated. Her family immediately understood the fortunes of Lebanon had reversed in that one act and Lebanon would not be the same for a very long time.
Within weeks, Amale and her family, who were also US citizens, were evacuated away from their beautiful home on the coast of Lebanon to the Northeastern US. So to Amale, Sfouf now represents the extra effort they’ve had to go to to preserve their culture and live as ambassadors of it to their American friends.
In today’s episode, Amale talks about her years in Lebanon, the current situation there, and how art and baking were her dreams as a child and have now helped her through some of the toughest times of her life. She also shares tips on making that famously delicious Lebanese chicken (Check out the show notes for her chicken recipe, by the way) and shares freely about wearing the hijab and so many other topics. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the podcast and also so thrilled that you’re here today. Thanks for tuning in!
Highlights
- The ancient city of Saida
- A huge lemon tree
- Going to school with Arabic as a second language
- Sfouf! Amale's memories and what it represents
- Why add turmeric to baked goods?
- Lebanese 7 spice - the best brand
- The best semolina flour
- The assassination of Rafic Hariri
- Why Amale doesn't believe she'll ever be able to come back
- How baking helped Amale through Covid and her uncle's death
- Why Amale wears the hijab
Listen Now
Also listen on:
How To Contact Amale
Instagram: @habibi_whatscooking
Website: habibiwhatscooking.com
This Episode's Storied Recipe
Recipe Shared by Amale Chameseddine
Golden Sfouf (Egg-Free Tumeric Cake from Lebanon)
Easy Lebanese Sfouf includes fine semolina flour for a rustic, hearty flavor. Cut into diamonds for special occasions or enjoy with a cup of tea.
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