Description
Layali Lubnan, or Lebanese Nights, is a creamy semolina pudding infused with orange blossom water, topped with ashta cream, crushed pistachios, and sweet syrup. This elegant Middle Eastern dessert is simple yet festive, served chilled for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup fine semolina
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1 cup ashta cream (for topping)
- ½ cup crushed pistachios (for topping)
- ½ cup simple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, semolina, and sugar.
- Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy pudding.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water.
- Pour into a rectangular or square serving dish and smooth the surface.
- Place plastic wrap directly on the pudding surface and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of ashta cream evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours until fully set.
- Serve cold, drizzled with simple syrup just before serving.
Notes
- Use fine semolina for best texture.
- Substitute rose water for a different floral note.
- Coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative, though texture will vary slightly.
- Make the day before for easy serving at gatherings.
- Simple syrup can be made by boiling equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
