Heavenly Umm Ali Recipe To Satisfy Your Cravings
Dearest readers,
I am delighted to introduce you to one of the most beloved Middle Eastern desserts: Umm Ali. This traditional Egyptian bread pudding layered with puff pastry, milk, cream, sprinkled lots of nuts and raisins, and coconut is a dessert that will leave an everlasting impression on your taste buds. I guarantee that this Umm Ali recipe will become a staple in your dessert collection.
As you know, Middle Eastern cuisine has been around for centuries, pleasing palates all over the globe with its tantalizing flavors and unique ingredients. This dessert recipe comes straight from Egypt and has been enjoyed by generations of families as well as foodies worldwide.
Umm Ali is reputedly named after an ancient queen who served the dish to her people. The legend has it that Umm Ali was accidentally invented when the queen added puff pastry to her milk pudding instead of plain old bread. From then on, it became an immediate favorite among Egyptian households.
The Umm Ali recipe I am about to share with you uses puff pastry sheets instead of bread to give it an incredibly light yet crispy texture. It also includes a delectable blend of mixed nuts and dried fruits that add a burst of flavor and crunchiness.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert with my easy-to-follow Umm Ali recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear foodie friends,
Have you ever tried Umm Ali? If not, then you’re missing out! Let me introduce you to this beloved Middle Eastern dessert that will have you hooked after just one bite.
Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian bread pudding layered with puff pastry, milk cream sprinkled with lots of nuts and raisins. It’s warm, comforting and absolutely irresistible. This dessert recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite during Ramadan or on special occasions.
So why should you try this recipe? Well, first of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special skills or equipment, just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for when you want a quick dessert fix or to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, Umm Ali is versatile and customizable. You can substitute the nuts and raisins with your favorite toppings such as chopped dates, cherries or even chocolate chips! You can also experiment with different types of bread such as croissants for an extra buttery flavor.
But most importantly, Umm Ali is simply delicious. The combination of the creamy milk, crunchy nuts, sweet sultanas and warm cinnamon will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and transport yourself to Abu Dhabi or Qatar with every bite. Trust me, once you taste it, You’ll fall in love with this dish from Shireen Anwer’s Urdu cooking show!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the list of ingredients that we’ll be using to create this delicious Umm Ali recipe, a traditional Egyptian dessert. To make this bread pudding layered with delicate puff pastry and creamy milk, we’ll need:
- 8 pieces of puff pastry sheets
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp. sultanas
- 4 tbsp. mixed nuts (such as pine nuts)
- 4 tbsp. raisins
- 3 tbsp. desiccated coconut
- 1 can condensed milk (14 oz./ 392 g.)
Note: You can use croissants instead of puff pastry sheets for an easier and quicker version of bread pudding made with Umm Ali recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making this delicious Umm Ali recipe.
Step 1: Preparing the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the puff pastry sheets into medium pieces and place them on a baking tray. Once the oven is hot enough, bake them for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool down.
Step 2: Making the Pudding
In a saucepan, heat up 3 cups of milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over medium heat. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add a handful of sultanas to the mixture and stir well.
Step 3: Assembling the Umm Ali
Take a medium-sized baking dish and assemble 8 pieces of cut-up croissant or puff pastry, covering the bottom of the dish. Pour over half of the pudding mixture on top of the pastry base. Repeat another layer with pastry slices over this pudding layer.
Pour another layer of pudding mixture on top of the second layer of puff pastry. Cover with more last layer pastry slices.
Step 4: Baking
Prepare your grill by preheating your oven on to medium temperature for about 10 minutes. Put in your Umm Ali dish once it’s ready and leave it inside for about 5-6 minutes or grill it till its golden brown.
Step 5: Serving
When you take out your Umm Ali from the grill, served hot or warm on dessert plates and sprinkle with some nits, raisins, desiccated coconut or toss in some canned fruits if desired.
There you have it! Your very own traditional Egyptian Umm Ali is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there is always the option to experiment with substitutions and variations. While Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, there are still ways to make it your own.
For instance, instead of using puff pastry sheets in this recipe, you could use croissant or even phyllo dough. This would give the dish a slightly different texture and flavor, but still retain its essence.
You can also swap out some of the nuts or dried fruits for others of your liking. Instead of sultanas, you could use apricots, figs, or dates. And if you don’t like desiccated coconut, you could top your Umm Ali with chopped pistachios or almonds.
For those who are looking for a healthier version of this dessert, you can use low-fat milk or almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup to reduce the amount of refined sugar in the recipe.
In addition to these substitutions and variations, there are also regional adaptations on this classic Middle Eastern dessert. For example, in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, Umm Ali is often made with condensed milk instead of regular milk.
Food influencer Shireen Anwer has her own take on Umm Ali that’s popular in Urdu households. She adds cardamom powder along with cinnamon powder in the milk cream mixture and bakes it until golden brown to give a slightly different taste yet delicious nonetheless.
The possibilities for variations and substitutions are endless when it comes to Umm Ali. So whether you’re a traditionalist or an experimenter in the kitchen – this dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser either way!
Serving and Pairing
Umm Ali, a traditional Egyptian bread pudding layered with puff pastry, milk, cream, sprinkled lots of nuts, raisins and coconut is a luscious dessert recipe that everyone would want seconds of. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions or as a sweet ending to a Middle Eastern feast. When serving umm ali, it’s best to spoon the bread pudding into individual bowls or plates and sprinkle additional nuts on top for added texture and crunch.
Pairing it with hot tea or coffee with milk is the perfect finishing touch. The milky beverage complements the sweetness of the dessert perfectly well without overpowering it. Some people like to pair Umm Ali with a hint of cinnamon in their hot drinks which add a fragrant aroma that complements well with the dish.
For those who prefer something cooler during warmer days, serve Umm Ali chilled. Just refrigerate it for an hour before serving for that refreshing twist. The yogurt’s tanginess can be an excellent pairing too, as it cuts through the richness of the bread pudding.
Make everyone’s mouth water by serving Umm Ali at the end of your next meal. Your guests will thank you for sure!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead options for Umm Ali, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. Many of the steps can be done in advance, making it an ideal dessert for a dinner party or large gathering. You can make the pastry, the milk mixture and even the toppings a day before serving. Just be sure to store them separately in airtight containers.
Storing leftovers of Umm Ali is very easy since you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days without any worries. You can also freeze the bread pudding, but keep in mind that once it has been thawed, its texture may change.
Reheating the Umm Ali recipe is simple too. In order to keep its crust crispy and avoid sogginess, I recommend reheating individual portions in the oven or microwave on low heat. If using the microwave, make sure to cover your bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
It’s worth noting that because of its pastry and milk content, Umm Ali does not reheat as well as some dishes like a hearty stew or soup. However, if you follow these tips, you can still enjoy this traditional Egyptian dessert time and time again while maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a dessert as rich and indulgent as Umm Ali, following the recipe to a tee is crucial. However, there are a few extra tips and tricks for achieving the perfect version of this iconic Egyptian bread pudding.
Firstly, when it comes to the puff pastry element of the dish, be sure to bake it until it’s crisp and golden brown. This will not only provide a satisfying textural contrast against the creamy filling but also prevent any sogginess from occurring.
Secondly, adding the milk gradually and stirring constantly will ensure a smooth and silky custard-like texture. Avoiding curdling the milk is essential for creating an authentic Umm Ali experience.
Thirdly, don’t skimp on the nuts and raisins! These toppings add both crunch and sweetness to each mouthful of this delicious dessert. The combination of pine nuts, pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts – whatever your preference – with some plump golden sultanas is what transforms this pastry-milk pudding into something quite special.
Lastly, Umm Ali is best served warm so be sure to reheat portions gently in the oven or microwave before enjoying. The aroma of cinnamon-spiced milk and toasted nuts will fill the kitchen and whet your appetite before even taking a bite.
With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be able to prepare an unforgettable version of Umm Ali that will impress your family and friends with its authenticity and deliciousness.
FAQ
Before we conclude this Umm Ali recipe article, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that may come to mind while preparing this delectable Egyptian bread pudding. Whether it’s about the dish’s ingredients or how to store leftovers, these answers will help ensure your Umm Ali turns out perfect every time.
What is Umm Ali made of?
If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like the taste of Umm Ali, a mouthwatering Egyptian dessert consisting of layers of flaky puff pastry, creamy milk and rich cream, and topped off with a generous sprinkle of crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, and tropical coconut. It’s a true treat for the taste buds!
Why is Umm Ali called Umm Ali?
Umm Ali, also known as om Ali or omali, has a history dating back to the 12th century in Egypt. This dessert’s name, which means “Ali’s mother,” has varying interpretations, just like the recipes themselves.
What is Amali Egyptian dessert?
I’m excited to share a recipe with you for Umm Ali, a mouth-watering dessert popular in Egypt. If you’re a fan of North American bread pudding, you’ll love this sweet pastry treat made with puff pastry, raisins, almonds and coconut. Trust me, it’s worth trying!
What is the most famous dessert in Egypt?
Umm Ali is a well-known and scrumptious dessert originating from Egypt that has been enjoyed for many years. Its roots can be traced back to the time of Shagarat el-Dour, who created this delectable sweet dish to commemorate her ascension to power after her husband, the sultan of Egypt.
Bottom Line
In summary, Umm Ali is a simple yet flavorful dessert recipe that originated from Egypt and has become popular across the Middle Eastern region. With its layers of puff pastry and creamy milk mixture, sprinkled with nuts, raisins, and cinnamon, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring a touch of exotic flair to your table.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Middle Eastern cuisine, this dessert recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. From substituting croissant for puff pastry sheets to adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, there are endless possibilities.
So why not give Umm Ali a try today? Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet, this traditional Egyptian dessert is sure to impress. And who knows? It may even become your new go-to recipe for dessert!
Umm Ali Recipe
Ingredients
- 350 g cooked puff pastry
- 1 liter fresh milk
- 3 g cinnamon
- 100 g sultanas
- 50 g sliced almonds
- 300 g whipped cream
- 250 g sugar
Instructions
- Boil milk in a large pot.
- Add sugar to it.
- Mix the cinnamon powder, sultanas and almond flakes together into the milk.
- Bring the milk to a boil again.
- Break the baked puff pastry into small pieces.
- Arrange it in a baking mould.
- Pour the hot milk on the broken puff pastry.
- Pipe the whipped cream on top of the puff pastry to cover the surface of the mould completely.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 210 degrees Celsius.
- When the cream turns brown on top, remove it from the oven and serve hot.