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Warbat with Ashta and Simple Syrup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warbat with Ashta is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert featuring layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a creamy ashta custard, all soaked in fragrant simple syrup and garnished with ground pistachios or walnuts. This treat combines creamy, sweet, and crisp textures, making it perfect for serving warm or at room temperature alongside tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Phyllo Pastry

  • 1 package phyllo dough (about 12 sheets), thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup ground pistachios or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Ashta Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for fragrance)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ashta Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat, stir in butter and rose or orange blossom water if using. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to a simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until syrup thickens slightly. Stir in lemon juice and rose or orange blossom water if desired. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Layer Phyllo Sheets: Place 4 phyllo sheets in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next to ensure crispness and flakiness.
  5. Add Ashta Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of the cooled ashta custard evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
  6. Repeat Layers: Continue layering another 4 phyllo sheets brushed with butter on top of the filling. Repeat the process of adding ashta filling and phyllo layers until all filling and dough sheets are used, ending with phyllo on top.
  7. Score the Pastry: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into squares or diamond shapes for easy serving after baking.
  8. Bake the Warbat: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Add Simple Syrup: Remove the warbat from the oven and immediately pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over the hot pastry, allowing it to soak in thoroughly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle ground pistachios or walnuts on top if desired. Let the warbat cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature for a sweet, creamy, and flaky dessert experience.

Notes

  • Make sure phyllo dough stays covered to prevent drying out while assembling.
  • Adjust sugar in the filling and syrup based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Rose water and orange blossom water add traditional floral aromas but are optional.
  • Use a sharp knife to score through phyllo layers gently to avoid tearing.
  • Allow the pastry to cool slightly after syrup application to let it set perfectly before serving.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/warbat-with-ashta-and-simple-syrup-recipe/