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Osmaliyi bil ashta

Osmaliyi Bil Ashta is a rich and indulgent Middle Eastern dessert
that features crispy layers of kataifi dough filled with
creamy, homemade Arabic Ashta. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword middleeasterndessert, osmaliyi, osmaliyibilashta
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 People

Ingredients

  • 1 package 454g Kataifi shredded dough
  • 1 cup melted ghee or unsalted butter
  • Arabic Ashta see full recipe below
  • Simple syrup see recipe below
  • Crushed pistachios

Ashta:

  • to make ricotta
  • 2 l Full fat milk
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • To make Cream mix
  • 1 L milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 7 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp rose water
  • 2 tsp orange blossom water

Simple syrup (atir)

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp rose water &1 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • First, start by making the Ashta and simple syrup, then set them aside to cool.
  • Separate the kataifi shredded dough with your fingers. Do not cut it—just gently separate the strands.
  • Add melted ghee or butter, then mix very well until fully combined.
  • Divide the shredded dough in half and place each half in two trays of the same size. Press down on the dough using the back of the tray.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden brown. It should take about 30 minutes, but the timing may vary depending on your oven.
  • As soon as it comes out of the oven and while still hot, pour about 1/4 cup of simple syrup over each layer.
  • Flip the layers onto a flat tray and let them cool.
  • Once completely cooled, fill the bottom layer with Ashta. Add the top layer, then sprinkle with pistachios and rose petals. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
  • Cut into pieces and serve with more simple syrup.

Ashta:

  • Ricotta Cheese:
  • Heat the 2L of milk in a pot, and once it begins to warm up, add the 1/3 cup of vinegar.
  • Stir the mixture gently until it starts to curdle. Let it sit for a few more minutes to ensure the curds fully separate from the whey.
  • Strain the curds and remove any excess liquid, leaving behind a thick, ricotta-like cheese. Set it aside.
  • Cream Mixture:
  • In another pot, combine the 1L of milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 7 tbsp of cornstarch. Stir this mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps.
  • Place the pot on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
  • Once the mixture has thickened, add the ricotta cheese you prepared earlier, and mix everything together.
  • Add the rose water and orange blossom water, stirring well to incorporate the floral flavors.
  • Once the mixture is smooth and thick, pour it into a plate or shallow dish, cover it, and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow it to cool and set.

Simple syrup (stir)

  • Combine sugar and water in a pot, and without stirring, heat the mixture until it starts bubbling.
  • Once bubbling, add lemon juice, rose water, and orange blossom water.
  • 3.Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and allow it to cool down.