Asida (Libyan Flour Pudding with Date Syrup)

Instructions

1. Bring 500 ml of the water to a boil in a heavy pot with the 25 g butter and salt.
2. Take the pot off the heat, add all the flour at once and stir hard with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough with no lumps, pressing out any lumps against the pot.
3. Return the pot to low heat. Pour in the other 500 ml hot water, make a few hollows in the dough, cover and cook about 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed, flipping the dough halfway.
4. Off the heat, knead or beat the dough smooth with a wet wooden spoon, until glossy and stretchy.
5. Brush a wide plate with butter, shape the dough into a dome and smooth the surface with buttered hands.
6. Press a hollow in the top with a buttered ladle. Fill with date syrup and pour the hot melted butter around the base. Eat warm, pulling off pieces and dipping.