Um Ali, the famous Egyptian dessert, is an all-time popular sweet dish across the gulf and often served during Ramadan, particularly at Iftar and Sahour. But what comprises a good serving of Um Ali. This particular Ramadan favorite is made from puff pastry with added cream, nuts and dried fruits to make a truly spectacular hot dessert. Some people also add nuts and raisins with sweetened warm cream. Saudi Gazette is providing housewives an easy recipe to make this truly delightful dessert: INGREDIENTS: 250g filo pastry sheets 100g flaked/sliced almonds 10g melted butter 70g chopped walnuts 1 liter low-fat milk 250ml cream 120ml honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OVEN TEMPERATURE: Oven should be preheated at 180°C METHOD: • First cut the filo sheets in half to roughly fit the dish. • Place a sheet of baking parchment on top of baking sheet. • Place in oven and remove after 10 minutes once the color of all of the layers of pastry has turned brown. • Grease the pan using the butter and a pastry brush. • Break 3 sheets of the pastry into pieces and place within the dish. • Sprinkle some of the chopped walnuts and almonds and repeat layering until you have used up all of the pastry and nuts. • Then place the milk, cream, honey and vanilla in a large pan and bring to boil. • Pour the milk mixture evenly over the pastry and nuts. • Bake in a pre heated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the top is a nice golden brown. • Decorate the top with almonds. TIP: It is advisable to serve Um Ali hot and fresh straight from the oven rather than several hours later.
