Explore the Complex Flavors of Umm Ali: A Traditional Arabic Bread Pudding

Umm Ali, which in Arabic means "Mother of Ali," is a very traditional Middle Eastern dessert that bears a resemblance to a mythological Egyptian Queen. This was a special type of bread pudding recipe customarily passed down from one generation to the next until it became a delicacy. It is safe to say that this regal dessert is fit for kings and queens, and culinary enthusiasts who can brave the naysayers and try their hands at its surprisingly simple and doable recipe. The traditional Arabic bread pudding is all about mastering blends of puff pastry, creamy milk, sweet spices, crunchy nuts, and dried fruits. In this recipe, you will come across the main secrets that make for an unforgettable Umm Ali experience.

Umm Ali:

Ingredients:

• 501 gm puff pastry
• 502 ml milk
• 253 ml cream
• 124 gm sugar
• 61 gm pistachios
• 62 gm almonds
• 63 gm coconut
• 4 gm cardamom
• 2 gm cinnamon
• 3 gm nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 31 gm butter
• 122 gm raisins
• 122 gm fruit
• 63 gm dates
• 61 gm walnuts
• 3 ml rose water
• 2 ml orange blossom water
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Method:

1. You have to start by preheating your oven to 180°C. You must make sure to have a rack placed in the middle of the oven to get an even cooking effect.
2. Next, you are going to roll out a puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about four mm in thickness. You will also have to press this pastry into a baking dish, tucking it down gently along the corners.
3. In a small bowl, you are going to mix the sugar, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, and salt.
4. Then, you have to sprinkle this sugar-spice mixture evenly over the puff pastry leaving a three cm border around the edges of the pastry.
5. After that, you have to let the pastry bake for around 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, you need to remember to change the position of the dish in order to distribute the heat evenly.
6. While the pastry is baking, you should ideally prepare the milk, heavy cream, and melted butter mixture in a medium saucepan, and then place this over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture begins to simmer.
7. Once it has simmered, you need to remove it from the oven and pour warm milk mixture over the sugar-spice layer. You should definitely be extra careful during this step so that the mixture does not splatter all over the place.
8. Once done, you are going to sprinkle some chopped pistachios, almonds, and shredded coconut over the top of the pastry.
9. If you are using raisins, and chopped dried fruits, it is time to add it to create a nut layer.
10. Then, you have to return the dish to the oven for around 10 to 15 minutes.
11. After that, you can remove the Umm Ali from the oven and cool it for around 10 to 15 minutes.
12. If you choose, you can use rose and orange blossom water, and sprinkle it over the top of the dish. They are going to give it an unparalleled fragrance.
13. Your beautiful and elegant dessert is ready for you to serve it warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

To give the best taste to this Arabic bread pudding, you are advised to use high-quality puff pastry and fresh spices. It would be great if you could add chopped dates or walnuts for an additional texture. However, if you are on a deadline then you may exclude raisins and dried fruits if you want an easier dessert. Some chefs are known to experiment by swapping out the spice mix and replacing it with ground ginger and ground cloves.

To make the presentation of one of the most elegant bread desserts even more appealing, you can garnish it with fresh flowers or edible gold leaf. It is advised that you serve small portions for a sophisticated dinner party.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Before serving, leftovers should be re-warmed using an oven or microwave. Serve with a hot beverage, for instance, Arabic coffee or any Arabic tea.

This is a great majestic desert to capture your senses with its rich flavor and multiple textures. If you're following this recipe, you will inevitably unlock the secrets to making an unforgettable Middle Eastern delectable. So, you can now go ahead and indulge in this royal treat, and transport yourself into the delightful world of sweet, layered, and intricate treats.