"Um Ali" 2

Um Ali Dessert: A Flavorful Delight from the Arab World

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Imagine a warm evening, with enticing aromas of cinnamon and nuts in the air. The Um Ali dessert is not just a recipe, but a story that takes us back in time, to a world full of traditions and legends. This dessert, often considered a bread pudding, is a symbol of hospitality and culinary delight in Arab culture. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this delicious Um Ali, which will turn any meal into a celebration.

Ingredients:
- 8 slices of toast bread (preferably slightly dried)
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar (for intense flavors)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (ghemar)
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup of crushed almonds
- 1/2 cup of crushed pistachios
- 2 tablespoons of rose water
- 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water
- 4 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- A heatproof dish (25/35 cm)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the bread: Start by tearing the toast bread slices into pieces about 3-4 cm. Use slightly dried bread for a better texture that will absorb the milk without turning into mush. Place these pieces in a heatproof dish, evenly covering the bottom.

2. Adding the aromatic ingredients: Sprinkle the raisins, coconut flakes, crushed almonds, and pistachios over the bread. Add 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. These ingredients will not only add sweetness and flavor but will also create a contrast of textures that makes Um Ali a special dessert.

3. Preparing the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. When the milk starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the rose water and orange blossom water. These will add a subtle fragrance and a floral note to the dessert. Mix well to integrate the flavors.

4. Assembling the dessert: Carefully pour the warm milk mixture over the bread in the dish, ensuring that each piece of bread is well soaked. Then, in a bowl, whip the cream with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar until creamy. Spread the cream evenly over the bread and milk mixture.

5. Baking: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon on top and place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the dessert for about 20 minutes or until it turns golden and beautifully browned on top.

6. Serving: The Um Ali dessert is served warm, decorated with a little crushed pistachio or coconut flakes, as preferred. It is ideal to enjoy it alongside a fragrant tea or coffee with notes of cardamom.

Tips and advice:
- For a richer Um Ali, you can add chocolate or dried fruits like figs or apricots.
- It is important that the bread is slightly dried, as it will absorb the milk and flavors without falling apart.
- If you don’t have rose water or orange blossom water, you can use vanilla essence or another floral extract to add a fragrant note.

Nutritional benefits:
Um Ali combines carbohydrates from bread, healthy fats from nuts, and proteins from milk and cream, making it a hearty dessert full of energy. Additionally, nuts and raisins provide important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, iron, and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as croissants, rolls, or even pie dough.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
You can replace the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or coconut) and the cream with a plant-based substitute.

3. How long can Um Ali be stored?
The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best when served fresh.

Um Ali is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience, an invitation to savor the tradition and story behind each bite. With every serving, you will feel as if you are tasting a piece of history, and its aroma will take you on an unforgettable journey. Enjoy!