The holidays are a time for coming together, celebrating traditions, and indulging in festive treats. One sweet delight that holds a special place in Greek Christmas celebrations is the mouthwatering Revani Me Portokali, also known as Orange Revani. This moist and aromatic cake combines the zesty flavor of oranges with the sweetness of honey, creating a delectable dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Revani Me Portokali Ingredients:
– 1 cup semolina
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, cloves, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, yogurt, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a smooth batter. Be mindful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake the Revani Me Portokali in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid.
9. Allow the Revani Me Portokali to cool in the pan before cutting it into squares or diamond shapes for serving.
This delightful Greek Christmas baking recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its tender crumb, vibrant orange flavor, and subtle spices. The combination of semolina and yogurt gives the cake a unique texture that is both moist and light, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to add a touch of Greek tradition to your festive spread, this Revani Me Portokali recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and evoke the warmth and joy of the season. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delicious cake and let the flavors of oranges and honey transport you to the sunny Mediterranean shores during this magical time of year.
