Om ali (Egyptian bread pudding) . One of the most iconic desserts out there, this dish features layers of soft and crunchy pastry and sweet custard. Infuse with cinnamon for next level decadence. With the crunchy nut topping, this dessert is pure perfection, everyone will love it.
Bread pudding, the delicious combo of custard with bread is so easy to make and has so many variations. Almost every cuisine has their own version of puddings, but the key ingredients, bread and milk, remains the same. However, this recipe uses pastry instead of bread, and what amazed me is the creation two different textures, soft and crunchy.
But that’s not it, the simple combination of milk, cream and sugar is addictingly good. The traditional recipe does not require any flavorings, however, I prefer a touch of cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla to accentuate the flavors. Apart from pastry sheets, you can also use croissants to soak up the milk flavors. Again, the authentic pastry for this recipe is usually made from scratch, but store bought puff pastry sheet delivers an easy shortcut.
Key Ingredients In Om Ali
- Puff pastry sheets - The store bought pastry sheets give a very similar texture compared to the traditional pastry used in this recipe. Croissants are the second best choice.
- Milk - It forms the base of the simple custard mixture.
- Cream - This creamy ingredient thickens the milk mixture giving it a very rich texture.
- Sugar - Clearly, the source of sweetness.
- Nuts and raisins - The two quintessential ingredients need to layer the pudding. These add tons of flavor to the dish.
How To Make Om Ali
Bake pastry sheets - To get the crunchy texture, you will need to bake the pastries until golden and puffed. Before baking, cut them into squares. These baked squares form the first and last layers of the pastry.
Milk mixture - The ingredients for the sweet milk mixture, milk, cream and sugar, are combined in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes. You can add more flavourings to this mixture including cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla.
Layer and bake - Half of the puff pastry sheets goes into a baking dish followed by a generous addition of the milk mixture and chopped nuts and raisins. Place more pastry sheets on top so you will get both and crunchy textures in the pudding. You can also add a layer of extra cream on top if you like the rich texture.
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 puff pastry sheets thawed
- ▢ 2 cups milk
- ▢ 1 cup cream
- ▢ ½ cup white sugar
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ▢ ½ cup chopped nuts pistachios or almonds
- ▢ ½ cup raisins
- ▢ ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 C or 400 F. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the puff pastry sheets into small squares.
- Arrange the squares on the baking tray in a single layer.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry sheets are puffed and golden.
- Meanwhile, combine together milk, cream and sugar in a sauce pan. Place sauce pan over medium-high heat.
- When the mixture starts to boil, stir in ground cinnamon, if using.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- You will need a small baking dish, approximately 8-inch x 8-inch.
- Cover the base of the dish with half of puff pastry squares. Break them roughly into small pieces to fit in the dish.
- Pour in half of the milk mixture.
- Top with half of chopped nuts, raisins and coconut flakes.
- Arrange the remaining puff pastry sheets in a single layer. Break the pastry sheets into small pieces if required.
- Top with remaining nuts, raisins and coconut flakes.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden.
Video
Notes
- Cinnamon - This is optional in this recipe as the traditional version does not include any flavourings. But, cinnamon adds tons of flavor to the dish. You can replace it with cardamom, nutmeg or vanilla.
- Puff pastry sheets - Sub with croissants if you like. Just skip the first pastry sheet baking step, and add to the layers.
Nutrition
Like this om ali recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook , Pinterest and Instagram . Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube .
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 puff pastry sheets thawed
- ▢ 2 cups milk
- ▢ 1 cup cream
- ▢ ½ cup white sugar
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ▢ ½ cup chopped nuts pistachios or almonds
- ▢ ½ cup raisins
- ▢ ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 C or 400 F. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the puff pastry sheets into small squares.
- Arrange the squares on the baking tray in a single layer.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry sheets are puffed and golden.
- Meanwhile, combine together milk, cream and sugar in a sauce pan. Place sauce pan over medium-high heat.
- When the mixture starts to boil, stir in ground cinnamon, if using.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- You will need a small baking dish, approximately 8-inch x 8-inch.
- Cover the base of the dish with half of puff pastry squares. Break them roughly into small pieces to fit in the dish.
- Pour in half of the milk mixture.
- Top with half of chopped nuts, raisins and coconut flakes.
- Arrange the remaining puff pastry sheets in a single layer. Break the pastry sheets into small pieces if required.
- Top with remaining nuts, raisins and coconut flakes.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden.
Video
Notes
- Cinnamon - This is optional in this recipe as the traditional version does not include any flavourings. But, cinnamon adds tons of flavor to the dish. You can replace it with cardamom, nutmeg or vanilla.
- Puff pastry sheets - Sub with croissants if you like. Just skip the first pastry sheet baking step, and add to the layers.
