Maamoul with kashta - Lebanese pastry with layers and Nestle cream

Dessert - Maamoul with kashta - Lebanese pastry with layers and Nestle cream by Didina L. - Recipia

Maamoul mad bil-kashta - Lebanese Pastry with Layers and Cream Discover a delicacy of Arab cuisine, Maamoul mad bil-kashta! This dessert, loved by both adults and children, is a pastry with delicate layers and a creamy filling, flavored with orange blossom water. Found in restaurants and patisseries across the Arab world, Maamoul is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors and aromas. Treat yourself to the chance to bring a piece of culinary tradition home with a simple and accessible recipe that promises a spectacular result. Preparation time: 40 minutes Baking time: 35-40 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Number of servings: 12-16 Ingredients For the layers: - 150 g finely ground semolina - 250 g flour - 1 teaspoon mahlab (a spice with a cherry flavor) - 1 teaspoon ground gum arabic (mastic gum) - 1/4 teaspoon dry yeast - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 200 g pure fat (butter or vegetable fat) - Orange blossom water, as needed For the filling (kashta): - 2 cans of Nestlé cream (170 g x 2) - 500 ml milk - 3-4 tablespoons orange blossom water - 3 tablespoons cornstarch For the syrup: - 1 1/2 cups sugar - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon flower water - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Preparation Step 1: Preparing the dough 1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix until you achieve a smooth consistency. 2. In another bowl, add the yeast to a small amount of orange blossom water and let it activate for a few minutes. 3. Add the activated yeast to the butter and sugar mixture. Begin incorporating the semolina, flour, mahlab, and gum arabic, continuously mixing. 4. Gradually add orange blossom water until you obtain a soft but not overly sticky dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Step 2: Preparing the filling 1. In a stainless steel or non-stick pan, heat the milk over low heat. Add the cornstarch dissolved in a little orange blossom water. 2. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and incorporate the two cans of Nestlé cream. Let it cool. Step 3: Assembling the pastry 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. 2. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Using plastic wrap or parchment paper, roll out each part into a thin layer. 3. Place the first layer of dough in a medium-sized baking tray (36 x 28 cm) lined with parchment paper. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. 4. Bake the first layer for about 10 minutes, until the edges become slightly golden. 5. Remove the tray from the oven and spread the kashta cream evenly over the baked layer. 6. Place the second layer of dough on top of the cream, completely covering it. Bake again at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden. Step 4: Finishing touches 1. While the pastry is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, bringing them to a boil. Add the flower water and lemon juice, mixing well. Let it boil for a few minutes, then cool. 2. Once the pastry is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the cold syrup over it. Allow it to cool completely, ideally for a few hours. 3. Cut the pastry into desired shapes and decorate with crushed pistachios, if desired. Chef's tip For an extra flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the kashta filling. Also, make sure the syrup is cold when pouring it over the pastry to create a pleasant contrast between the warmth of the pastry and the coolness of the syrup. Nutritional benefits Maamoul mad bil-kashta is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of energy due to the healthy fats from butter and the proteins from milk. The orange blossom water also adds an aromatic and relaxing benefit, having anti-inflammatory properties. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use another fat instead of butter? Yes, you can use vegetable fat, but the taste will be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and texture. 2. How can I make the pastry less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your preferences. 3. Can I replace Nestlé cream with something else? Yes, you can use vanilla cream or a sweet cheese filling, but check the consistency to ensure it holds up. Serving and pairings Maamoul mad bil-kashta pairs perfectly with fragrant tea or Turkish coffee. You can also serve it alongside Greek yogurt, which will add a refreshing note and balance the sweetness of the dessert. In conclusion, Maamoul mad bil-kashta is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it’s a gathering with friends, a family celebration, or simply a personal treat. Don’t forget to prepare it with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

Category: Dessert Author: Didina L. Views: 1 Date: 06.10.2024
Dessert - Maamoul with kashta - Lebanese pastry with layers and Nestle cream by Didina L. - Recipia 1
Dessert - Maamoul with kashta - Lebanese pastry with layers and Nestle cream by Didina L. - Recipia 2

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