Semolina flour is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that deserves more attention in everyday cooking. Known for its slightly coarse texture and golden hue, semolina is most often associated with pasta and couscous, but its uses extend far beyond that. From breakfast to dinner to dessert, semolina flour can create dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re new to using semolina or looking for new ideas, these easy semolina flour recipes are perfect for home cooks who want simple yet satisfying meals made with wholesome ingredients.
What Is Semolina Flour?
Semolina flour is made from durum wheat, a hard type of wheat that is high in protein and gluten. It has a gritty texture compared to regular flour and a pale yellow color. Often used in pasta-making due to its firmness and elasticity, semolina also works well in baking and as a thickener in soups and porridges.
Benefits of Cooking with Semolina:
- High in protein and gluten, great for structure in baked goods
- Distinct nutty flavor that enhances savory and sweet dishes
- Slowly digested, making it suitable for energy-sustaining meals
- Versatile for dishes like porridge, pudding, pasta, and bread
Semolina Porridge for Breakfast
This creamy semolina porridge is a quick and satisfying breakfast option. It’s easy to prepare and can be flavored in many different ways to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup semolina flour
- 2 cups milk or plant-based milk
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: fruits, nuts, cinnamon, or syrup
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the semolina flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sweetener and vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Homemade Semolina Pasta
Making pasta from scratch is easier than you might think, especially with semolina flour. This recipe creates a firm, chewy pasta that’s perfect for holding onto sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semolina flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Place the semolina flour on a clean surface and make a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add olive oil and salt.
- Gradually mix the flour into the eggs with a fork, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut the dough into your desired pasta shape, then boil in salted water for 3-5 minutes until tender.
Semolina Bread
Semolina flour can also be used to bake a rustic loaf of bread with a golden crust and soft crumb. This easy recipe pairs well with soups or is great toasted for breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semolina flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, place on a baking sheet, and let rest 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Semolina Pizza Dough
Using semolina flour in pizza dough creates a crust with a slight crunch and excellent chew. It’s perfect for thin-crust or rustic-style pizzas baked in a hot oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups semolina flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Let sit until foamy.
- Mix flours, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture in a bowl until combined.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes, then let the dough rise in an oiled bowl until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and shape as desired.
- Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 12-15 minutes.
Semolina Cake (Basbousa Style)
This semolina cake is moist, sweet, and soaked with syrup. It’s a popular dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine but is easy to make at home with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix semolina, yogurt, sugar, coconut, butter, and baking powder until combined.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- While the cake bakes, simmer sugar, water, and lemon juice for 10 minutes to make syrup.
- Pour warm syrup over hot cake and allow to absorb before serving.
Tips for Cooking with Semolina Flour
Working with semolina flour is easy, but a few tips can help improve your results and open up new culinary possibilities.
- For softer texture, combine semolina with all-purpose or bread flour.
- Store semolina flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness.
- Use semolina as a dusting flour for baking trays and pizza peels to prevent sticking.
- For desserts, pair semolina with honey, yogurt, and citrus for enhanced flavor.
- When making pasta, let the dough rest to improve elasticity and make rolling easier.
Semolina flour brings texture, nutrition, and flavor to a wide variety of easy recipes. Whether you’re preparing homemade pasta, a wholesome breakfast porridge, or a rich, syrup-soaked dessert, this flour delivers satisfying results with minimal effort. With just a few pantry staples and some creativity, you can transform semolina flour into meals and treats that your family will love. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen, perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks looking to explore something different.