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Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Semolina Pudding)

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A classic Lebanese dessert featuring a creamy semolina pudding base topped with smooth ashta and crushed pistachios, finished with fragrant orange blossom syrup for a light and elegant chilled treat.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop and Chilling
  • Cuisine: Lebanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Semolina Pudding Layer:
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mastic (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
  • Ashta Topping:
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Topping:
  • 3/4 cup crushed pistachios
  • Simple Syrup:
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, whisk milk, cream, flour, cornstarch, and sugar for the ashta while cold to prevent lumps.
  2. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until thick and creamy (about 5 minutes). Add orange blossom water if desired. Transfer to bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool.
  3. In another saucepan, combine semolina, milk, sugar, and mastic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously for about 10 minutes until thick yet smooth.
  4. Stir in orange blossom water. Pour into a 9×11-inch dish and spread evenly. Cool 10 minutes.
  5. Spread cooled ashta evenly over semolina layer.
  6. Sprinkle crushed pistachios over top.
  7. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.
  8. Prepare syrup by simmering sugar and water 5–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water. Cool completely.
  9. Drizzle syrup over dessert just before serving.

Notes

  • Fine semolina ensures a smooth pudding texture.
  • Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
  • Adjust sweetness by controlling syrup amount.
  • Store refrigerated up to 4 days; keep syrup separate.
  • Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/layali-lubnan-lebanese-semolina-pudding/