Om Ali (aka Um Ali) is a delicious Egyptian dessert that’s the Middle Eastern version of bread pudding. My version is made with buttery croissants, milk and heavy cream, with a hint of cardamom. Add nuts in the pudding, or top it with some, it’s divine either way.
I can assure you that this recipe is far from your usual bread pudding. Why, you ask?
Well first of all, it’s made with croissants. Um, hello, anything that starts with croissants is bound to be delicious, right?
Om Ali quite literally means Ali’s mother in Arabic. And yes that’s a strange name for a dessert. But legend has it, that it’s named after Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s wife (in the 13th century), because she made it for a victory celebration, and somehow the name has stuck. Obviously, moms have always made the best food ever, it’s been proven today. Hehe. 🙂
What You Need
- Croissants (get the best available)
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder (or freshly crushed cardamom pods)
- Dry fruit for the topping (I used almonds, pistachios, and cashews. Other options include raisins and desiccated coconut)
Traditionally Om Ali is made with an Egyptian flatbread called roaa, phyllo or puff pastry. But I decided to go the croissant route, because why not add more buttery deliciousness to this recipe? Also, it’s the easiest way to make this dessert.
Baking the Croissants for this Recipe
Now, I like to bake the croissants for this recipe just to give them a little bit more crispiness and texture. Just tear the croissants into bite sized pieces, and bake on a baking try for about 10 minutes or so until the edges are slightly crispy. This step is optional, but highly recommended.
I do hope you try this delicious Egyptian bread pudding, and if you do let me know how you liked it!
To Add Nuts or Not?
Traditionally, there are nuts added within this pudding, but I don’t like the texture (especially raisins lol) so what I do is just topped the bread pudding once its been baked. However, you may increase the quantity of the nuts, and add it within the bread pudding too.
More Delicious Desserts to Try
Quick Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Om Ali Recipe (Egyptian Bread Pudding)
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized croissants – roughly torn into bite size pieces about 2 cups
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup +1 cup heavy cream divided
- 1/4 cup sugar
- A pinch of cardamom powder optional
- Assorted nuts for topping I used almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 C. Arrange the croissant pieces on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes or so, until they’re slightly crispy.
- While the croissants are crisping up, add milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cardamom powder to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and remove from heat.
- Place the croissant pieces in an ovenproof dish and then pour over the hot milk mixture.
- Now spread the whipped cream all over the surface of the om ali, and turn on the broiler of the oven.
- Place the baking dish and bake for about 5 minutes or so, until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and top with your choice of nuts.
- Let rest for a few minutes, and then serve. Om Ali tastes best when warm, but its good to eat cold as well.
Mums make the best food! Yes mum of two have proven it today. I made Aubergine Peppers & Potatoe curry yesterday evening. It was really nice. I wonder if can be made in to cakes coated with bread crumbs / eggs and fried to make crispy on the outside soft on the inside cakes that be served with rice and raita or with salad or with breakfast alongside eggs?
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