Umm Ali, also known as Om Ali, is an iconic Egyptian bread pudding with a rich history. Named after the wife of a sultan, this dessert is a treasured part of Egyptian cuisine, often served during celebrations and special occasions. Its creamy texture and nutty flavors make it a delightful, comforting treat for many.
This simple yet exotic dessert combines the goodness of toasted puff pastry, milk, cream, and a variety of nuts and dried fruits. Its golden-brown top layer gives way to a moist and velvety interior. Perfect for cold days, Umm Ali is sure to impress your family and loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of full-fat milk
- 1 pack of frozen ready-to-use puff pastry (or Egyptian Roqaq/Croissant)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- ¼ cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Cream (any available kind)
- Shredded coconut
- Pistachios, chopped
- Dried raisins
- Pecans, chopped
- Almonds, chopped
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C-200°C (350°F-400°F).
- Arrange puff pastry dough pieces on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a pot on the stove, add 1 liter of milk, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Optionally, replace half the milk with cream or add two tablespoons of butter for extra creaminess.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cut the puff pastry into pieces and spread them in an oven-safe dish (ceramic or pyrex).
- Add shredded coconut, chopped almonds, pecans, pistachios, and raisins over the puff pastry pieces.
- Pour the hot milk mixture over the puff pastry pieces.
- Let it sit for a few moments to allow the pastry to absorb the milk.
- Mix the remaining half cup of milk with cream and pour over the dish.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- Finish by putting it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown finish.
- Serve as is or top with additional nuts for enhanced presentation.
Did you know?
Umm Ali is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of Egyptian heritage. The name translates to “Mother of Ali,” and the dish is said to be named after the wife of Ezz El-Din Aybek, the ruler during the Ayyubid Era. The dessert commemorates a celebratory feast after a political victory, making every bite a morsel of history.
Traditionally, Umm Ali incorporates Roqaq (a thin, crisp bread), but modern adaptations welcome substitutions like puff pastry or croissants. This flexibility allows for diverse textures while maintaining the dish’s authenticity.
Moreover, Umm Ali is often seen as a healthy dessert, given its high protein content from nuts and milk. It’s also kid-friendly, offering a sweet treat packed with the nutritional benefits of dried fruits and nuts. The perfect blend of Arabic flavors, this pudding is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, making it a timeless favorite for dessert lovers around the world.
