Um Ali

Um Ali Recipe from Jordan with Puff Pastry, Milk, and Cinnamon

Region / culture: Jordan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Um Ali, also known as Umm Ali or Om Ali, is a traditional Egyptian dessert that is rich, creamy, and full of delicious flavors. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or for when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent.

History

Um Ali has a long history in Egypt and is believed to have originated during the time of the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century. Legend has it that Um Ali was the first wife of the Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak, and she created this dessert to celebrate his victory in battle. The dessert quickly became popular among the people of Egypt and is now a staple in Egyptian cuisine.

Ingredients

5 packs of puff pastry (200 g each)
5 cups of milk
2 tbsp of granulated sugar
3 tbsp of brown sugar
3 tbsp of butter
4 tbsp of heavy cream
0.5 cup of golden raisins
0.25 cup of hazelnuts, crushed open in half
0.25 cup of almonds, blanched, peeled and split open
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 tbsp of shredded dry coconut

How to prepare

Place puff pastry in a baking tray and bake until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
In a non-stick pan, heat the milk and dissolve the sugar. Add cinnamon and bring it to a boil. Set it aside. The sweetness of the milk should be slightly more than your preference.
Break the baked pastry into a 20x30 cm Pyrex dish. Add almonds, hazelnuts, and then pour the milk over it.
Preheat the oven to 250°C and bake the pastry, nuts, and milk for 15 minutes. If the pastry absorbs all the milk, add a little more.
Remove the Pyrex dish from the oven. Mix the butter and heavy cream together and spread it on top of the dessert. Sprinkle with dry coconut.
Bake again for an additional 15 minutes.
If a golden crust doesn't develop on top, grill for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add a handful of pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the golden raisins with dried apricots or dates for a different twist.
Drizzle some honey or caramel sauce on top for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to bake the puff pastry until it is golden brown to ensure a crispy texture in the final dish.

- Make sure to heat the milk slowly and dissolve the sugar completely to create a smooth and creamy base for the dessert.

- If the pastry absorbs all the milk, add a little more to ensure that the dessert is moist and flavorful.

- Be careful not to burn the dessert when baking it a second time with the butter and heavy cream topping.

Serving Suggestions

Um Ali is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, boiling, and grilling are the main cooking techniques used in making Um Ali.

Ingredient Substitutions

Puff pastry can be substituted with croissants or phyllo dough.

- Heavy cream can be substituted with evaporated milk or coconut cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Um Ali can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for a convenient dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Um Ali in individual ramekins or bowls for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Um Ali pairs well with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Um Ali can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Um Ali contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Um Ali contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Um Ali contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Um Ali contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Um Ali is a rich source of calcium, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Alergens

Um Ali contains dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Um Ali is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich and indulgent treat.

Summary

Um Ali is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its rich and creamy texture, nutty flavors, and warm spices, this dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy a taste of Egypt with this traditional and indulgent treat!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Cairo, Egypt. My mother had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I spent countless hours in the kitchen, watching her prepare delicious meals for our family.

One day, a neighbor came over to visit and brought with her a dish that I had never seen before. It was a sweet and creamy dessert, filled with nuts and raisins, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. She called it Um Ali, which translates to "Ali's Mother" in Arabic.

I was immediately intrigued by this new dessert and asked our neighbor for the recipe. She smiled kindly and agreed to teach me how to make it. As she guided me through the steps, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that I was about to learn a new and delicious recipe.

The key to making Um Ali, our neighbor explained, was to start with a base of puff pastry. She showed me how to carefully tear the pastry into small pieces and layer them in a baking dish. Then, we added a mixture of milk, cream, and sugar, which would soak into the pastry and create a rich and creamy texture.

Next came the toppings – a generous sprinkling of nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, and a handful of sweet raisins. Finally, we popped the dish into the oven and waited for the pastry to puff up and the flavors to meld together.

As the sweet aroma of Um Ali filled the kitchen, I knew that I had discovered a new favorite dessert. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, and watch as they savored each bite of this decadent treat.

Over the years, I have made Um Ali countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I like to switch up the nuts or add a touch of rose water for a floral note. Other times, I might substitute the puff pastry for croissants for a buttery and flaky texture.

No matter how I choose to make it, Um Ali always brings back memories of that day in Cairo when I first learned how to make this delicious dessert. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations and holds a special place in my heart.

Now, as I teach my own grandchildren how to make Um Ali, I hope that they too will cherish this recipe and create their own memories around it. Cooking is not just about following instructions – it is about creating a connection to the past and sharing love and tradition with those we hold dear.

And so, as I prepare to make Um Ali once again, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. I thank my mother, my neighbor, and all those who have shared their recipes with me over the years, for it is through their guidance and love that I have become the cook that I am today.