Qashtaliyyeh with Semolina – Traditional Middle Eastern Dessert Recipe

Qashtaliyyeh with Semolina – Traditional Middle Eastern Dessert Recipe

Qashtaliyyeh with semolina is one of the most delicious and nourishing desserts in the Arab kitchen. It’s easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and perfect for kids thanks to its high nutritional value. This creamy dessert blends milk, semolina, and eggs into a rich, velvety base, topped with clotted cream and nuts for a delightful finish.

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Ingredients:

 

• 1 large cup of fine semolina

• 4 eggs

• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water

• 1 tablespoon of vanilla powder

• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• 2 liters of liquid milk

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can of clotted cream (qashta or crème fraîche)

• 1 cup of hazelnuts

• 1 cup of chopped pistachios

• ½ cup of shredded coconut

• 1 cup of sugar syrup (to drizzle)

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For the Sugar Syrup (Ater):

• 2 cups of sugar

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water

• 3 drops of lemon juice

To prepare the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the lemon juice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Let it cool completely before use.

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How to Prepare Semolina Qashtaliyyeh:

1. Prepare the base mixture:
   In a large pot, combine semolina, granulated sugar, liquid milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend the mixture well using an electric mixer or whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.

2. Heat the mixture:
   Place the pot over low heat and stir continuously as the mixture begins to warm.

3. Prepare the egg mixture:
   In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add the vanilla and white vinegar. Whisk until the eggs are well combined and slightly frothy.

4. Combine:
   Gradually add the egg mixture to the warm milk and semolina, continuing to stir in one direction only using a whisk or mixer. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to boil.

5. Add flavor:
   Pour in the orange blossom water and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring gently.

6. Prepare the serving dish:
   Rinse your serving dish with water (do not dry it). The slight moisture helps with cutting and serving later.

7. Set the base:
   Once the mixture is thick and creamy, pour it into the rinsed dish. Let it sit and cool at room temperature.

8. Add the cream topping:
   After about 1 hour, spread the clotted cream (qashta) evenly over the surface.

9. Decorate:
   Sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios and hazelnuts. Finish with a light dusting of shredded coconut.

10. Chill:
    Place the dish in the refrigerator until fully set and chilled—ready to be served.

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Serving:

Before serving, drizzle a little cold sugar syrup over each piece—or serve the syrup on the side so guests can sweeten it to taste. Slice the Qashtaliyyeh into neat, even squares and serve cold.

Enjoy this rich, creamy dessert with family and friends—for a touch of sweet tradition and comfort.