Kalon prama or Shamali

Καλόν πράμαν (Μαγειρεύω Κυπριακά 2013). <br/> Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.

Καλόν πράμαν (Μαγειρεύω Κυπριακά 2013). Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.

Καλόν πράμαν (Μαγειρεύω Κυπριακά 2013). <br/> Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.

A type of syrupy cake made with semolina, yoghurt and nuts. "Pour the mixture into a baking tin and keep for two hours to allow the semolina to rise” (Maria Grigoriou, Agios Tyhonas Limassol)

Name - Recipe
Cypriot name of dish
Καλόν πράμαν ή σιάμαλι. Kalón práma or Shámali.
Greek name - description

Σάμαλι, ραβανί. A type of syrupy cake made with semolina, yoghurt and nuts.

Ingredients

2½ cups semolina 
1½ cups yoghurt 
1½ cups sugar 
2 tsp baking powder 
½ tsp ground mastic 
A handful of almonds for garnish

For the syrup:
2½ cups of sugar
2 cups of water
2 tsp lemon juice

Method

Boil the almonds to remove the skin and open them in half. In a bowl, combine the semolina, sugar and baking powder. Then add the yoghurt, corn oil, mastic and mix again. Pour the mixture into a baking tin for two hours to allow the semolina to rise. Decorate the top of the mixture with the almond halves. Bake for 40 minutes at about 180°C until golden brown. At the same time prepare the syrup by boiling the ingredients for about 5 minutes. Remove the kalon praman from the oven and pour over the syrup a bit at a time. Leave it to cool for half an hour before cutting and serving. (Maria Grigoriou, 68 years old from Agios Tyhonas, Limassol)

Cooking method

Baking in the oven.

Comments

When it is ready, cut it into squares (or diamonds), place it in a platter and cover it to keep it moist. If not consumed within 2 days, place the remaining cake in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Value and Importance in the Diet of Cypriots

Kalon praman was offered as a treat to guests.

Time period
19th - 21st c.
Supplementary information

Interview excerpt from Ms Maria Gregoriou: 

-How often do you make it now ? 
-Once a year.

-How often did you make it before? 
-Usually once a week for the last forty years (when I got married and afterwards). We used to offer it to our guests. Now because of health reasons I don't make it often because it has a lot of sugar."

Βibliography

Oral testimony: Maria Grigoriou, 68 years old from Ayios Tyhonas, Limassol. Recording: Christina Gregoriou, October 2010. Edited by Stalo Lazarou.

Researcher / Recorder

Christina Gregoriou, Stalo Lazarou