Ali is not someone I know, and Umm Ali (in Arabic) means mother of
Ali. Also someone I dont know. But what I know was the dish was wiped clean in
a matter of minutes. A dessert at my place has never had such success, and I am
patting myself on the back for choosing to make this.
If I had declared a no-sugar BM series at the beginning of my
Armenian Baba Ganoush post, how come this dessert ? Two reasons – one : its a
really really low fat, and very mild sweet version of the original. Two : Rules
are meant to be broken, atleast for a reason (today being 12 yrs of being
together with the husband). That calls for a decadent dessert right, away from
the usual cakes.. Flowers, and diamonds I dont mind :p (am still looking
forward to the evening when I think I might have a surprise from hubby !! we
women dont learn :D)
Anyways, long story cut short : If you like mildly sweet desserts
along with a low cal/low fat version thrown in, check out this recipe. The
original of course contained cream which I totally replaced with milk (low
fat). Yes, the original looked a lot more creamier and luscious but we were
pretty happy with our version too :-))
The origin of this dessert is a rather sad one from Egypt (where
this dessert has origins from), which I would skip today on account of the
happy occasion. If you are keen to read it however, please head here. Oh ! and one more thing, I was so
happy with the replacement Cherie’s recipe gave me in place of the (ever
unattainable) puff pastry sheets : she suggested I use croissants instead. That
was a superb replacement and thanks so much to Cherie. However if you have
access to puff pastry sheets, head here for the original recipe. Else my recipe
works for the croissant version, albeit low fat.
Before we head to the recipe, 5 quick facts about Egypt, known as
the “Gift of the Nile” (source – Wiki)
- The English name Egypt is
derived from the ancient
Greek Aรญgyptos (ฮแผดฮณฯ ฯฯฮฟฯ), via Middle French Egypte and Latin Aegyptus. - There is evidence of rock
carvings along the Nile terraces and in desert
oases. In the 10th millennium BC, a culture of hunter-gatherers and fishers was replaced by a grain-grinding culture. Climate changes or
overgrazing around 8000 BC began to desiccate the pastoral lands of Egypt,
forming the Sahara. - The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level
waterway in Egypt considered the most important center of the maritime
transport in the Middle
East, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in
November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows ship transport
between Europe and Asia without navigation around Africa. - Egyptian cuisine is characterized by dishes
such as Ful Medames, mashed fava
beans; Koshari, a mixture of lentils, rice, pasta, and other
ingredients; ‘Molokheyya, a green plant chopped and cooked with garlic
and coriander sauce; and Fetir Meshaltet. Egyptian cuisine shares
similarities with food of the Eastern Mediterranean region, such as
rice-stuffed vegetables, grape leaves, Shawerma, Kebab, Falafel, Baba Ghannoug,
and baklava. - Bread made from a simple
recipe forms the backbone of Egyptian cuisine. It is consumed at almost all
Egyptian meals; a working-class or rural Egyptian meal might consist of little
more than bread and beans
Country : Egypt
Dish : Umm Ali – a decadent Egyptian Dessert
Serving Suggestions : Warm, served as it is, or with maple syrup
or plain vanilla ice cream
**************************
Prep time : 15 mins | Baking time : 15-18 mins (max 20) | Serves :
4
Ingredients:
- Large
Croissants – 3 nos - Full fat
or low fat Milk – about 500 ml - Chopped
nuts (I used walnuts and raisins and almonds) – about 1 large cup - Pistachios
– fro topping (I skipped this) - Demerrera
sugar (wet brown sugar) – 5 TBSP (adjust accordingly) - Saffron
strands – few (optional) - Cream –
1/4 cup (I didnt use) - Cinnamon
powder – 1 tsp - Brown
sugar to sprinkle on top
Method:
- Mix the
nuts, half of the sugar in a big bowl. crumble the croissants into smaller
pieces, and add to the bowl with the nuts. Transfer to an oven proof dish (I
used one large dish and two ramekins) - Bring milk
to a boil with the saffron and 1 TBSP of sugar. Pour half the quantity over the
croissants- nut mixture and let the stuff soak up the milk. - If using
cream mix it with the remaining sugar and pour on top to form the top layer.
Else repeat the same with milk - Sprinkle
cinnamon powder and brown sugar on top. - Baked in
a preheated oven at 180 degree C for 20 minutes or till the top browns. - Top with
chopped pistachios. - Serve
warm or cold.
Well I guess I can accept this low fat dessert from you then..lol..:)..very nicely done and a great idea Kalyani..
I hope you had a great anniversary. A very fitting dessert for a big celebration
Happy anniversary! The story behind the dessert is sad but love the dessert. I was meaning to make this dessert for some time. Croissants are a nice idea to substitute for puff pastry
First of all, many many happy returns of the day. Hope you had a great day.
Decadent dessert. I came across croissant versions too and these buttery, flaky breads would nicely substitute for puff pastry I guess. Milk instead of cream definitely lowers the calories.
Many Many Happy Returns of the Day, Kalyani! Hope you got the flowers and diamonds as well ๐
This dessert looks decadent even if you say it is low fat ๐
ahh teachers day is your day? happy birthday dear…and this one is lovely like a bread pudding…you end up making a croissant dish also low fat…you are good
Many many happy returns of the day Kalyani !
Umm ali is such an interesting dessert and low fat version sounds great !
Congrats and Happy anniversary Kalyani.. Thats a beautiful dish for celebration, nice alternative for puff pastry, however crossiants works awesome in Umm ali too.
Thanks girls for ur wishes.. It was our wedding anniversary, not my birthday ! And yes, croissants work beautifully well in place of puff pastry sheets … We truly loved the dessert warm..
This dish has been on my to-make list for a very long time. Yours turned out so good. Will try some time.
Happy Anniversary and love this Egyptian version of bread pudding!
I alway wanted make this dessert and this low fat version is really interesting ๐ Using croissant dough for making this a super idea usually they use puff pastry isn't it ๐ irresistible dessert dear !!
Happy anniversary Kalyani!Hope you had a wonderful day .I am sure this dessert would have won praises!Looks very delicious…
By now it is Belated Happy Anniversary.
I have loved the dessert. .low calorie is good for us..it reminds me of the famous double ka meetha..similar concept. .a must ry and on my list now…
Happy Anniversary Kalyani and what a nice way to celebrate. The dessert looks yumm…
Looks super delicious kalyani! ! A very happy anniversary ! !! Using croissant for puff pastry is very clever suggestion!!
Belated anniversary wishes!! This is a very very yummy dessert. I am stuck with a lot of bread slices, all stale can I replace the croissants with that!!!! ๐
Sounds ridiculous doesn't it?
Your intro had me in splits…this sounds like a wonderful 'lower-fat' version of a super rich dessert! Can only imagine the taste! Looks wonderful Kalyani….and belated anniversary wishes…have a wonderful year of togetherness
Very yummy dessert. Looks flaky & delicious.