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Mafroukeh with Ashta and Toasted Nuts

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A traditional Lebanese dessert made from deeply toasted semolina blended with fragrant orange blossom syrup, topped with luscious homemade ashta cream and an assortment of golden roasted nuts — finished with floral jam and a hint of pistachio for a rich and festive treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Semolina Base:
  • 1 cup farek knafeh or fine farina
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp orange blossom water
  • 1/4 tsp mastic gum, crushed with a pinch of sugar
  • 100 g unsalted butter (approx. 7 tbsp)
  • 4 tbsp sunflower oil
  • Ashta Cream Layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 heaped tbsp cornstarch
  • Toppings:
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom jam
  • Optional: ground pistachios for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter with oil, then add farina. Stir over medium heat until deeply golden and fragrant (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a separate pot, bring sugar and water to a boil, then stir in orange blossom water and crushed mastic. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Slowly pour the syrup into the toasted farina, stirring constantly to combine into a thick paste. Spread this into a serving dish and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. For the ashta, whisk milk, cream, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Spread the ashta evenly over the mafroukeh base once both have cooled to warm.
  6. In a small pan, toast almonds, cashews, and pine nuts until golden. Let cool.
  7. Garnish the top of the dish with roasted nuts, small spoonfuls of orange blossom jam, and a sprinkle of ground pistachios if desired.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Use fine farina or knafeh semolina for best texture and consistency.
  • Stir continuously while toasting farina to avoid burning and achieve even color.
  • Chilling helps firm up the dessert and allows flavors to meld.
  • Roasted nuts can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/mafroukeh-with-ashta-and-toasted-nuts/