Umm Ali Recipe – Egyptian Dessert Recipe With Puff Pastry
Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert that is a warm, comforting, and indulgent treat made from puff pastry, milk, condensed milk, and a variety of delicious nuts and dried fruits. The dessert, often compared to a bread pudding, is baked to golden perfection and served warm. While puff pastry is typically used, croissants can also be substituted when puff pastry sheets are unavailable. This dessert is commonly enjoyed as a delightful end to a Middle Eastern meal, particularly following a savory dish like Egyptian Koshari on a relaxing Friday night.
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Course
Dessert
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry Sheet | 200 grams (torn into pieces), or 6 croissants |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Condensed Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup (and more for garnish) |
| Saffron Strands | A few strands |
| Slivered Almonds (Badam) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sultana Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Pistachios (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dessicated Coconut | 3 tablespoons |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Serves
6-8
Instructions
-
Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, combine half of the condensed milk, the full quantity of milk, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar has fully dissolved into the milk.
- Add the slivered almonds, sultana raisins, chopped pistachios, and desiccated coconut to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Puff Pastry (or Croissants):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat for about 10 minutes.
- Grease a square baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
- If using puff pastry, tear the pastry sheet into pieces and arrange it in the greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed up and golden brown.
- If using croissants, you do not need to bake them first. Simply grease the baking dish, arrange the croissants in the dish, and skip directly to the next step.
-
Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the puff pastry is baked and cooled slightly, or the croissants are arranged in the dish, pour the warm milk and nut mixture evenly over the pastry or croissants. Let it soak for a few minutes so that the bread absorbs the liquid.
-
Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, saffron strands, and additional sugar (to taste). Once well mixed, pour this cream mixture over the soaked pastry or croissants.
-
Bake the Umm Ali:
- Sprinkle any remaining nuts and saffron on top for garnish.
- Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 350°F, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on the dessert during the last few minutes to ensure it does not burn.
-
Serving:
- Once done, remove the Umm Ali from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm.
- Scoop out portions and serve as a decadent dessert after a hearty Egyptian Koshari meal for a truly authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.
Tips and Variations:
- Using Croissants: If you choose to use croissants instead of puff pastry, there’s no need to bake them first. The croissants will absorb the milk mixture and become wonderfully soft and custardy as they bake.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: You can customize the nuts and dried fruits based on your preferences. For example, cashews or walnuts can be substituted for almonds, and dried apricots or dates can replace raisins.
- Saffron: The saffron adds a luxurious color and subtle flavor to the dish, but it can be omitted if not available.
Enjoy this sweet and aromatic dessert that captures the essence of Egyptian comfort food in every bite!
