(TURKISH SEMOLINA CAKE)
Revani, pronounced reh-va-nee and also known as ravani, is a classic syrup-soaked cake that's popular in many parts of the Middle East and Mediterranean including Turkey.
INGREDIENTS
1. Start by making the simple syrup. In a saucepan, boil sugar and water over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper. Beat eggs and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer or whisk for 5 minutes until fluffy and light.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top with spatula. Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
3. Add in the vegetable oil, yogurt and vanilla extract and mix to combine. Then add the semolina, all purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Slice into 12 pieces in the pan, then evenly pour cooled syrup over cake using a ladle. Allow cake to rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
6. Remove slices from pan and transfer to serving plate. Optionally, garnish with desiccated coconut and ground pistachios.