Levantine

Luxurious Levantine Madlouka with Ashta Cream

An irresistible traditional Levantine dessert made from shredded kataifi pastry toasted in ghee, soaked in sugar syrup and orange blossom water, topped with a rich layer of fresh clotted cream and nuts.

45 min 4 servings 485 cal/serving Medium 2 views
Luxurious Levantine Madlouka with Ashta Cream

Instructions

  1. Preparing the sugar syrup
    In a small saucepan, mix the sugar with water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and comes to a boil, then add the lemon juice and half a tablespoon of orange blossom water; let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, then set aside to keep warm. · 5 min
  2. Melting the ghee and adding the kataifi
    Place the ghee in a wide non-stick pot over low heat until it melts, then add the finely chopped kataifi pastry. · 2 min
  3. Toasting the kataifi
    Stir the kataifi continuously over low to medium heat until it is evenly toasted and takes on a beautiful golden color and fragrant aroma without burning. · 15 min
  4. Soaking the kataifi
    Gradually pour the prepared warm syrup and the remaining orange blossom water over the toasted kataifi while stirring constantly over low heat, until the kataifi absorbs all the liquid and turns into a soft, cohesive, and malleable paste. · 3 min
  5. Spreading the base on the serving platter
    Spread the kataifi mixture while still warm directly onto a flat serving platter to an even thickness of about one centimeter, then let it cool completely to room temperature. · 10 min
  6. Adding the cream
    Spread the fresh clotted cream evenly over the cooled kataifi layer until completely covered.
  7. Garnishing and serving
    Generously garnish the top with crushed pistachios, toasted pine nuts, and candied orange blossom jam in the center, and serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition / serving

485
cal
7.5
protein g
52
carbs g
28.5
fat g

Chef's tips

For excellent results, make sure to chop the kataifi pastry very finely, and never spread the clotted cream over the kataifi base while it is still warm to prevent the cream from melting and losing its firm texture.