Batica (Batega)

Batica/Baath or  Batega is essentially a traditional Goan Christmas cake. This cake, made of semolina and the usual suspects gets an exotic flair with the addition of rose water and some aromatic cardamom.  Soaking the batter in a cool place allows the semolina to soften and absorb the flavours of rose and cardamom and ensures that the cake turns out moist, soft and crumbly. A slice of Batica with a hot cup of tea is the perfect evening indulgence.

Ingredients

250 gms semolina

1 ½ cups fresh coconut, ground

3 eggs

1 ½ cups Sugar

5 tblsp butter/ghee

1tsp salt

½ tblsp baking powder

1 tblsp Rose water

1/2 tblsp ground cardamom

¼ cup milk

Method

Beat the eggs, sugar and butter till fluffy. Add the semolina, coconut, cardamom, salt and rose water, mixing well. Set aside for 12 hours, or overnight in a cool place so that the semolina can soak and soften. Add the baking powder and the milk beat together and pour into a 7 by 7 inch lined pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees till done and the cake passes the skewer test.