Description
- A creamy semolina custard layered between buttery phyllo sheets, baked to perfection, and soaked in golden syrup for an authentic Greek dessert.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups white sugar, divided
1 cup semolina flour
3 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
6 cups whole milk
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup butter, melted
12 sheets phyllo dough
1 cup water
Instructions
- Whisk 1 cup sugar, semolina, cornstarch, and salt until combined.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until boiling; gradually whisk in semolina mixture until thick.
- Beat eggs with ½ cup sugar for 10 minutes until pale; stir in vanilla.
- Fold egg mixture into warm custard and cool slightly.
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 7 phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
- Pour custard into the dish and cover with remaining sheets, brushing each with butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- In a saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup sugar with water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour hot syrup over hot pastry and allow to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- For a citrusy flavor, add a strip of lemon peel or a cinnamon stick to the syrup while boiling.
- Serve with Greek coffee or black tea for a classic pairing.
- Prep Time: 1 hr 40 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
