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Layali Lubnan

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Layali Lubnan, or ‘Lebanese Nights’, is a classic no-bake Middle Eastern dessert made from fine semolina pudding layered with creamy homemade ashta, topped with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of orange blossom syrup. Light, fragrant, and elegant—perfect for special occasions.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 15 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 5 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mastic (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
  • 1/2 cup milk (for ashta)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for ashta)
  • 3/4 cup crushed pistachios
  • 2 cups sugar (for syrup)
  • 1 cup water (for syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ashta: In a pot, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, heavy cream, flour, cornstarch, and 2 tbsp sugar until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until thick and creamy (about 5 minutes). Add a few drops of orange blossom water if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the Semolina Pudding: In a separate pot, combine 5 cups milk, semolina, and 2 tbsp sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 10 minutes). Stir in orange blossom water and ground mastic if using.
  3. Assemble: Pour the semolina pudding into a 9×11-inch dish and let cool slightly (about 10 minutes). Spread the ashta layer evenly on top.
  4. Top: Sprinkle crushed pistachios generously over the ashta. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Prepare Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tsp orange blossom water and let cool completely.
  6. Serve: Cut chilled dessert into squares and drizzle with cooled syrup just before serving.

Notes

  • Use fine semolina for a smooth pudding texture.
  • Mastic adds authentic aroma but is optional.
  • Dessert must be fully chilled before slicing.
  • Store syrup separately and add when serving to control sweetness.
  • Homemade ashta yields better flavor than store-bought.

Nutrition

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