Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Egyptian cuisine with this easy-to-follow Umm Ali recipe, also known as Arabic Crepe Pudding. Perfect for special occasions like weddings and Ramadan, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.
What Is Egyptian Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert made from layers of flaky puff pastry mixed with nuts, coconut, and raisins, all soaked in sweetened milk and cream and then baked until golden. It’s similar to bread pudding but with a unique Middle Eastern twist.
The story behind Umm Ali dates back to the Ayyubid era in Egypt. Named after the wife of a king, this dessert was created as a gift for the people of Egypt. Its popularity has endured through the centuries, making it a beloved treat across the Arab world.
Ingredients Needed To Make Umm Ali Recipe
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- 1 liter of milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- Roasted nuts (to taste)
- Grated coconut (to taste)
- Raisins (to taste)
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- ½ cup of cream
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Directions For How To Make Umm Ali Recipe
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bake the Puff Pastry: Bake the puff pastry according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. Once cooled, break the puff pastry into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the sugar and vanilla until it reaches boiling point. Stir in the cream. Pour the hot milk mixture over the puff pastry pieces, ensuring they are fully soaked. Add roasted nuts, coconut, raisins, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well.
- Assemble the Umm Ali: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with a layer of cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Bake the Umm Ali: Bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until the top is golden and caramelized. Garnish with more nuts if desired and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Umm Ali warm, straight from the oven, to get the best bite. If you want, pair the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The dish is also tasty with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
How To Store Umm Ali
You can store extra umm ali in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk before reheating to retain its creamy texture. It can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Pro Tips When Making Umm Ali
- Perfect Puff Pastsy: Pierce the puff pastry with a fork before baking to ensure it becomes extra crunchy.
- Keep It Hot: Pour the milk mixture over the puff pastry very hot for optimal absorption.
- Use Different Milks: Experiment with different nuts like pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for varied flavors.
- Temperature: Umm Aly is served hot usually, but if you want to eat it cold, you must leave it until it cools first and then put it in the refrigerator
Egyptian Umm Ali Recipe- Arabic Crepe Pudding
Equipment
- Oven-pan
- big bowl
- silicone spoon
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry dough
- 1 liter milk
- Half cup sugar
- 1 spoon Vanilla
- 1 Roasted nuts to taste / coconut / raisin
- 1 cinnamon pinch
- Half cup cream
- 1 pinch of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry by taking it out of the fridge and letting it come to room temperature. When at room temperature, it will be easier to spread.
- To prepare the puff pastry, put it in the oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes (or according to the instructions on the box). When it is done, cut the crunchy puff pastry into small pieces
- Prepare the milk. Bring a liter of milk and add half a cup of sugar. Add the sugar and a spoonful of vanilla. Then, add in half the cream. Put the milk on the stove and stir the mixture well until it reaches the boiling point
- Add roasted nuts, grated coconut, raisins, and cinnamon to the crumbled puff pastry. Mix all ingredients together
- Add hot milk to the ingredients and leave until all the milk is absorbed.
- To make the outer layer, bring a small box of cream and stir well. Spread the cream on umm ali and add a pinch of powdered sugar
- Bake the Umm Ali. Place it on the middle rack of the oven and turn on the grill until the top is toasted (just 5 minutes).
- Garnish Umm Ali with some ground nuts
