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–+ servings
creamy no bake arab dessert

Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights dessert)

A simple traditional Lebanese dessert fragrant with rose and orange blossom water. It is topped with pistachios and a drizzle of sweet syrup making it a delicious velvety layered dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Servings 14 people
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
  

Layali Lubnan

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed mastic
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom
  • ½ teaspoon rose water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Ashta/ Qishta

  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom
  • ½ teaspoon rose water

Qater Syrup

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1½ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  • Squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions
 

Ashta/Qishta

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a pot making sure that the cornstarch dissolves.
  • Add it to the stove on medium high heat and whisk until thickened but still pourable, about 10 minutes long.
  • Once thickened, transfer to a plate or bowl and place plastic wrap on top making sure to touch the surface of the ashta so it doesn't crust over.
  • Place in the fridge to cool as you prepare the pudding.

Layali Lubnan Semolina Pudding

  • Mix together all ingredients well.
  • Add onto the stove on medium heat.
  • Continue whisking together until it thickens and still is able to be poured, also about 10 minutes.
  • Pour into a 9x9 pan, or divide into small cups.
  • Let it cool for 20 minutes in the fridge.

Final Construction

  • Spread the ashta/qishta on top of the semolina pudding and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
  • Place into the fridge and let it cool and set for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve with qater (simple syrup)

Notes

1. Cool the semolina pudding layer well before adding any other layers so that they don't melt into each other.
2. When spreading the Ashta or qishta (clotted cream), try distributing it in small amounts over the pudding and then spread it over smoothly. This prevents it from mixing with the underlying layer and keeps it aesthetically pleasing.
3. When storing your Lebanese Nights Dessert in the fridge, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh at all times.
4. Use unsalted pistachios for a more balanced taste.
5. You can substitute pistachios for any other nut of your choice or a mix of them. It's best that the nuts are coarsely chopped to help give added texture and balance out flavors.
6. Offer the sweet syrup on the side instead of pouring it on the dessert ahead of time. This is to give everyone the choice of adjusting the sweetness level according to their preference.
7. If you don't have qater and don't want to make it (it's simple though and I encourage you to), you can drizzle honey or sweetened condensed milk over Layali Lubnan to level up the sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 12gFiber: 0.02g
Keyword Easy Ramadan Desserts, Layali Lubnan, Lebanese Nights Dessert, Traditional Arabian Dessert
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