Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Egypt with the legendary Omm Ali - a dessert so divine, it's been delighting food lovers for centuries! This heavenly pudding is not just a dessert; it's a warm, comforting embrace of crispy pastry, rich milk, and crunchy nuts that will make your mouth water from the very first bite. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Egyptian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the dessert.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Once thawed, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to ensure it doesn’t stick.
- Cut the puff pastry into small squares or rectangles, about 2 inches in size. Place these pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the pastry is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil. Once it simmers, remove it from the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked puff pastry pieces, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (almonds and pistachios). If using shredded coconut, add 1/2 cup to the mixture as well.
- Pour the warm milk mixture over the puff pastry and nut mixture, ensuring all the pieces are well soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the milk.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. You can use a 9x13 inch dish or a similar size that fits the mixture comfortably.
- Bake the assembled Omm Ali in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dessert is bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Omm Ali can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy your delicious Egyptian dessert!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality puff pastry for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast your nuts lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Watch the milk mixture carefully while heating to prevent scorching.
- Let the dessert rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use a mix of different nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts.
- Serve warm for the most authentic and delicious experience.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Don't skip the resting time when soaking the pastry in the milk mixture - this is where the magic happens!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
