Gers Ogaily (Kuwaiti Saffron and Cardamom Cake)
Local name: قرص عقيلي
In short: A soft, golden round cake perfumed with saffron and cardamom and finished with sesame seeds, traditionally served with tea. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Gers ogaily is a Kuwaiti tea-time cake with a tender, slightly dense crumb and a deep golden color from saffron. Cardamom gives it its warm fragrance, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch on top. It is not a layered or frosted cake, but a simple round one meant to be cut into wedges and eaten with strong tea or Arabic coffee. It keeps well for a few days, which makes it handy for guests.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 22 cm (9 in) round cake pan and line the base with baking paper.
- Steep the saffron in the 3 tbsp hot milk for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, cardamom and salt together in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 3 minutes until pale and thick. Whisk in the oil, the 120 ml milk, the saffron milk and the rose water if using.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, with no dry streaks. The batter will be thick but pourable.
- Scrape the batter into the pan, brush the top with milk and sprinkle with the sesame and nigella seeds.
- Bake for 33 to 38 minutes, until deep golden and a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and serve in wedges.
Tips
- Crush the saffron with a pinch of sugar before steeping. It releases the strongest color and flavor from a small amount.
- Swap 2 tbsp of the oil for melted ghee for a richer, more traditional flavor.
Questions and answers
How long does gers ogaily keep?
Store it covered at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze slices for 2 months. A few minutes in a warm oven brings back the softness.
Can I make gers ogaily without saffron?
Yes. Add 1/2 tsp ground turmeric for the color, though the fragrance will be less floral. A little extra rose water helps.
What do you serve with gers ogaily?
Black tea or Arabic coffee, usually in small cups. Some people also eat it with soft cheese or a drizzle of date syrup.
How long does it take to make Gers Ogaily (Kuwaiti Saffron and Cardamom Cake)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gers Ogaily (Kuwaiti Saffron and Cardamom Cake)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 49 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
