Um Ali - Ali's Mother Cake

Um Ali Dessert – A Flavorful Delicacy with a Story

If you are looking for a quick and tasty dessert filled with the flavors of the Middle East, then Um Ali is the perfect choice. This delicious pastry, also known as 'Ali's Mother', is a combination of crispy layers, creamy milk, and a multitude of nuts that will remind you of the most beautiful moments spent with loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients
- 250 g phyllo dough (about 1/2 package)
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of thick yogurt
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of crushed almonds
- 1/4 cup of crushed hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup of crushed pistachios
- Corn or sunflower oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Thawing the Phyllo Dough
It is essential to start the night before. Take the phyllo dough out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge overnight. The next day, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. This will make it easier to cut and fry.

2. Preparing the Phyllo Dough
Once the phyllo dough has softened, cut it into strips about 1 cm wide. These will become wider noodles that will separate in a bowl, providing the crispy texture you need.

3. Frying the Phyllo Strips
Heat the oil in a non-stick pot. When the oil is hot, add the phyllo strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them until they are golden and crispy. Remove them to a strainer to drain excess oil.

4. Preparing the Milk Mixture
In a large bowl, add the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Place the bowl over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boiling point. Then, pour this mixture over the fried phyllo strips and let them absorb the liquid well.

5. Adding Flavorful Ingredients
Sprinkle the raisins, shredded coconut, crushed almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios over the phyllo mixture. This will add extra texture and flavor.

6. Preparing for the Oven
Grease a heat-resistant dish with a little oil or butter. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish and level the surface. Add the yogurt on top and sprinkle the remaining pistachios and almonds.

7. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and leave it in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the surface becomes golden and crispy.

8. Serving
Um Ali dessert can be served warm or cold. It is delicious in both versions, but if you want to surprise your guests, letting it cool can intensify the flavors.

Practical Tips
- Choosing Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially milk and cream. These will make the dessert creamier and more delicious.
- Variations: You can experiment with different nuts or add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an extra flavor boost.
- Pairing with Beverages: Um Ali pairs perfectly with aromatic tea or coffee, but also with a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of Um Ali contains approximately 300-350 calories, providing a rich source of carbohydrates from milk and sugar, as well as healthy proteins and fats from nuts. It is a good choice for an occasional dessert, but due to its sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of dough?
Yes, you can use puff pastry or even stale bread to experiment with different textures.

- How long does it last?
Um Ali dessert can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it retains its best texture if consumed fresh.

- Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using plant-based milk and vegan cream, but some adjustments will be needed to achieve a similar consistency.

Um Ali is not just a dessert; it is a story of flavors and traditions that will surely bring joy to your table. By trying this recipe, you will not only savor an authentic delight, but you will also become part of a fascinating culinary history. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Um Ali dessert is one of the most popular Arabic sweets, very aromatic and rich, a staple at special occasions and in 5-star hotel restaurants across the Arab world. Essentially, it is a bread pudding that can be made from bread, croissants, pie dough, or puff pastry. It is a dessert specific to Egypt. There are several legends regarding the origin of this dessert. During the Ottoman occupation, the sultan hunting in the Nile Delta craved a dessert. He stopped in a small village. There, to please the sultan, the villagers asked the most famous cook to prepare something special. She concocted a dessert from what she had at home: a little dry bread soaked in milk with sugar, coconut, pistachios, and almonds. It is said that the sultan liked this dessert so much that during his next visit to the village, he requested to be served Um Ali. Another legend says that Um Ali was the first wife of Sultan Ezz ElDin Aybek. After the sultan's death, she plotted to kill the sultan's second wife, and in honor of her success, she made this dessert and shared it with her subjects. I saw this recipe on one of the most popular cooking shows in the Arab world: Manal Al Alem's Kitchen. For friends who have complained that Arabic dishes are very labor-intensive, here is a very simple and aromatic recipe. We need: - 1/2 pack of phyllo pastry (250 g) - 3 cups of milk - 1 cup of sugar - 1 cup of liquid cream - 1 cup of heavy cream (in Arabic: ghemar) - 1/2 cup of raisins - 1/2 cup of coconut flakes - 1/4 cup of crushed almonds - 1/4 cup of crushed hazelnuts - 1/2 cup of crushed pistachios - corn or sunflower oil.