Simple butter cake with a little Persian zing (orange blossom extract), doused in orange syrup and topped with orange rind and pistachios elevated to another level.
ingredients for the cake batter
- unsalted butter 240 g (room temperature)
- sugar 240 g (1 & 1/4 cups)
- 4 eggs
- plain flour 300 g (2 & 1/4 cups)
- baking powder 10 g (1/5 tsp)
- orange blossom extract 30 ml (2 tbsp)
- orange juice 30 ml (2 tbsp)
- orange zest 2 tbsp
ingredients for the syrup
- juice and rind of 4 oranges approximately 250ml (1 cup) orange juice
- chopped pistachios 60g (1⁄2 cup)
- water 60 ml (1⁄4 cup)
- caster sugar 150g (3⁄4 cup)
- orange blossom extract 30ml (2 tbsp)
preparation of the cake batter
- before you start making the cake, preheat the oven temperature to 160°C
- first, sift the flour and baking powder well
- beat the butter and sugar with a mixer until it is completely creamy for about 10 minutes
- add the eggs one by one and beat for 3 minutes after each addition
- add the orange blossom extract and orange juice and orange zest, respectively, combine using the mixer
- add flour mixture and mix until well incorporated
- pour the batter in the 23 cm cake tin, greased or lined with baking sheet, and put it in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes
- finally, check the side with a toothpick
preparation of the syrup
- cut thin pieces of orange peel using an orange zester or a knife
- try to cut it so as to have as little pith as possible, as this will impart a bitter flavour
- boil the rinds for two minutes, strain, then soak in cold water for 5 minutes
- strain a second time and reserve
- on a medium heat, simmer the sugar, orange juice and water for 5 minutes
- turn off the heat, add the rind and the crushed pistachio nuts and the orange blossom extract then set aside to cool
- while the cake is hot and still in the tin, prick the top of the cake and pour the cooled syrup on top, placing it in a dish to make sure the syrup doesn’t leak
- set aside for 30 minutes for the syrup to soak in
- enjoy the soft texture and the magnificent aroma
If you wish to organise a casual luncheon, a business gathering or a joyfull wedding in Belgium or The Netherlands, please take a look at the catering options and contact me to see how we can turn your event into a memorable happening.All 50 recipes in my cookbook have 5 major ingredients, carefully chosen to respect the original dishes on which they are based. You can easily order my cookbook online or come pick it up. Participants to a workshop get a €5 discount.Join others and learn how to cook and bake a four-course Persian meal. All workshops are held in Belgium or The Netherlands and participants get a €5 discount on my cookbook.You can find many recipes on the website. Most recipes use Persian cooking essentials like indigenous herbs, spices, nuts and fruits. You can also find 50 recipes in my cookbook.Many cities in Iran are on the UNESCO heritage list. Read some culinary travel stories on how I experience my country or learn more about its culture and history.My professional approach of food photography makes your recipes and food products shine in cookbooks, product packaging, online use, catalog or menus.Follow me on Instagram to view my latest updates. In case of any questions or reservations please do not hesitate contacting me by filling in the form.