UMM ALI

Umm Ali (Om Ali) Egyptian Sweet Pastry Dessert.

Typically pastry (bread, croissants, puff pastry) is divided into pieces and blended with desiccated coconut, almonds, pistachios, cashews, raisins and sugar. A mixture of milk, coconut milk, cream and cinnamon is then poured over the mixture. Finally the mixture is then baked in the oven until the surface is golden brown. Umm Ali is often compared to Bread and Butter Pudding, albeit that the latter also includes eggs. This is also a very popular Arabic dessert.

UMM ALI (ARABIC DESSERT)

TO PREPARE THE PUDDING

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp creme fraiche
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla essence

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small pan, mix together milk, sugar and cornstarch.
2. Mix well.
3. Turn on heat to medium.
4. Continuously stir the pudding mix.
5. Add vanilla essence.
6. Cook the mixture until it thickens.
7. Remove the pan from heat and then add the creme fraiche.
8. Mix well.
9. Let it cool down. Keep aside for use later.

TO MAKE THE MILK MIXTURE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• ¾ cup sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a pan add milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon.
2. Mix well.
3. Now cook this mixture on medium heat, stirring continuously.
4. Boil for few minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
6. Set aside.

GARNISH

• ½ cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, raisins, cashews)

OTHERS

• 3 large croissants or 5-6 small ones or ½ kg phyllo pastry (I’ve used croissants)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Take an ovenproof deep dish (as you have to layer the ingredients).
3. Place a few pieces of roughly cut croissants at the bottom.
4. Pour the milk mixture on the croissants spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle some desiccated coconut.
6. Sprinkle mixed nuts.
7. Add half of the pudding mixture.
8. Add another layer of croissants.
9. Add chopped nuts.
10. Add the remaining pudding mixture.
11. Top off with desiccated coconut and mixed nuts (avoid raisins on the topmost layer as they tend to burn in the oven).
12. Bake for 20-25 mins.
13. Broil for another 4-5 mins.
14. Remove from oven.
15. Your exotic dessert Umm Ali is ready.
16. Serve warm.
17. Enjoy.