Egyptian
Om Ali
The national dessert of Egypt, this bread pudding combines flaky pastry, hot sweetened milk, nuts, and cream, baked until bubbly and golden.
Watch it madeFood Fusion · 1:33
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry (baked) or Roqaq500g
- Milk1 Liter
- Sugar1 cup
- Heavy Cream (Eshta)1 cup
- Mixed Nuts & Raisins1/2 cup
- Coconut Flakes2 tbsp
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Break the puff pastry or roqaq bread into pieces and place them in a baking dish.
- Mix the nuts, raisins, and coconut flakes, then sprinkle them evenly over the pastry pieces.
- Heat the milk with sugar and vanilla until hot (but not boiling over), then pour it over the pastry mixture.
- Spread the heavy cream (or eshta) over the top of the soaked mixture.
- Place the dish under the broiler for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Common questions
Can I substitute roqaq with puff pastry for Om Ali, and does it change the texture?
Yes. Baked puff pastry gives a lighter, flakier result, while roqaq stays more traditional and soaks up the milk better. If using puff pastry, bake it fully first so it stays crisp enough to hold the custard-like filling.
How long should I soak Om Ali before broiling it?
Pour the hot milk over the pastry and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes so the pieces absorb liquid without turning mushy. If the pastry is very dry or thick, give it a few extra minutes before adding the cream and broiling.
What are the most common mistakes when making Om Ali?
The biggest mistakes are using boiling milk, which can make the dessert curdle or cook unevenly, and broiling too long, which can burn the top quickly. Also avoid underbaking the pastry, or it will become soggy instead of tender.
How should I store leftover Om Ali, and can I reheat it?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through. The topping will soften, but it still tastes good; avoid microwaving if you want better texture.
What is the best way to serve Om Ali for the best texture and flavor?
Serve it warm, ideally shortly after broiling, when the top is bubbling and the center is creamy. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly. It pairs well with extra nuts on top for crunch.