Egypt owns one of the richest cuisines in the world due to the different cultures that passed through it.
And when desserts are mentioned, the Egyptian cuisine is unbeatable with its authentic oriental desserts.
One of them is the Omali recipe which takes you far away with its soft, creamy, and caramelised taste.
So,follow us to discover its easy steps and know the taste of joy.
Facts and History
It is literally translated as Mother of Ali or Ali's Mother.
Actually, the North America bread pudding is very similar to it. In other words, It is Egypt's bread pudding.
It was firstly known in the Mamluk Era in the 13th century and named after “Ezz El-din Aibak's” wife.
You will be surprised to know that there is a painful history behind this delicate recipe.
The story began when the Egyptian Sultan“Al-Salih Ayub” brought “Shajaret Al-Durr” as a maid.
He loves her for her intelligence and beauty then get married and have their son “Khalil”.
After his death, she decided to be the ruler, but it wasn't accepted for Egypt to be ruled by a female, so she married “Ezz El-din Aibak” to rule Egypt through him, then she forced him to abandon his first wife and their son “Ali”.
Their relationship was tense and suspicious, after that she got Aibak assassinated.
“Om Ali” (the first wife) prisoned “Shajaret Al-Durr” and ordered her maids to beat her with wood slippers until death.
She ordered her cook to prepare this special dessert and distributed it among Egyptians and it was named after her till now.
After all, be sure that you will forget this unpleasant story upon tasting the first spoon.
It comes first every time and occasion and can totally improve your mood with its unique texture.
Let us know the ingredients of this exceptional dessert and how to prepare an unforgettable Omali.
Ingredients of Omali recipe
For the basic classic Egyptian Omali recipe you will need:
Rukak (Egyptian white crispy flat bread) is the most common but you can also use puff pastry or croissant
Hot milk
Sugar
Butter
Vanilla
Mixed nuts (provides crunchiness and contrast in the texture)
Extra Topping for omali recipe
Coconut flakes
Fresh or dried fruits
Whipping cream
Sauces like chocolate, caramel and others
Spices such as cardamom or cinnamon
How to prepare?
1- Preheat your oven to 200°C/220°C
2- Mix Milk, Sugar, Butter and Vanilla together with stirring until dissolving the sugar and the mixture becomes homogeneous
3- Break the Rukak into small pieces (or any kind of dough you are using) and lightly toast them
4- Soak the Rukak flakes in the sweetened milk mixture
5- Add the nuts you prefer
6- You can add also whipping cream, spices or dried fruits on top
7- Bake for 15 minutes or until it's top turns golden brown and crispy
8- Served hot in winter or leave to cool in the refrigerator if you are in summer
And now, it's time to enjoy the crunchy on top and rich creamy in the bottom Omali recipe.
Nutritional value
Not only an easy magnificent dessert, but a nutritious dish also, let's have a look:
Milk makes it a source of Calcium and proteins
Rich in healthy fats due to the presence of Butter
Excellent source for Omega 3 and healthy fatty acids that comes from Nuts
Provides your body with energy quickly
Approximate Calories of each ingredient for 100gm
Rukak (265 calories)
Croissant (406 calories)
Puff pastry (558 calories)
Milk (60-63 calories)
Butter (717 calories)
Sugar (387 calories)
Mixed nuts (607- 650 calories)
Whipping cream (345 calories)
Coconut (660-667 calories)
Mixed dry fruits (252-359 calories)
The Vegetarian Omali recipe
The most common question for vegetarian people is: Can I enjoy this type of food with my family and friends?
Don't worry my vegetarian friend, you won't miss this pleasure, you can use some alternatives like:
Coconut or Almond milk instead of cow's milk
Coconut oil instead of butter
Any type of fat free pastries
This is an excellent option if you have health issues related to cow's milk or If you are on a diet as well.
So, If you need to combine ease with luxury you won't find a better dessert than the incredible Egyptian Omali recipe.
And Now, Why are you waiting to try this creamy, mouthwatering, and fluffy dessert?!
Don't miss trying Egyptian Hawawshi, Macarona Bachamel, Koshari, Molokhia, Warak Enab and for breakfast Falafel with fava beans recipe is the best choice, you will be satisfied with its amazing smell and taste.