Introduction:
Maamoul Mad Bil Ashta is a beloved Middle Eastern pastry that captivates taste buds with its delicate flavors and irresistible textures. This delightful treat consists of a crispy semolina dough encasing a rich and creamy ashta (clotted cream) filling, all enhanced with a touch of pistachio goodness and a sweet sugar syrup. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create this exquisite dessert, ensuring your Maamoul Mad Bil Ashta turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients:
For Ashta Cream:
1. 2 liters of milk
2. 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
For the Cream:
1. 1/2 liter of milk
2. 2 tablespoons of corn flour
3. Mistika (mastic resin)
For the Pistachio Filling:
1. 1 1/2 cups of finely ground pistachios
2. 1/2 cup of sugar syrup
3. 1 tablespoon of ghee
For the Maamoul Dough:
1. 3 cups of medium semolina
2. 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
3. 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
4. 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast
5. 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate
6. 1 teaspoon of mahlab (ground cherry pits)
7. 1 1/4 cups of cow ghee (approximately 290 grams)
8. 1/2 cup of milk
9. 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
10. 2 tablespoons of sugar syrup
For the Sugar Syrup:
1. 2 cups of water
2. 3 cups of granulated sugar
3. Juice from one lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ashta Cream:
- In a large pot, heat 2 liters of milk until it's about to boil.
- Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and stir gently.
- Allow the mixture to curdle, then strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
- Place the strained ashta in a bowl, add some mistika for flavor, and refrigerate.
2. Making the Pistachio Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground pistachios and sugar syrup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and mix until a slightly sticky pistachio filling forms.
- Set aside.
3. Preparing the Maamoul Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, sodium carbonate, and mahlab.
- Gradually add the cow ghee, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Add the milk and orange blossom water, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. Assembling the Maamoul:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take a walnut-sized piece of dough and shape it into a ball.
- Make an indentation in the center of the dough ball and fill it with a small spoonful of the pistachio mixture.
- Seal the dough around the filling, ensuring it's well enclosed.
- Place the filled dough on a baking sheet.
5. Baking and Glazing:
- Bake the maamoul in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown.
- While they are still warm, brush the maamoul with sugar syrup to give them a sweet and shiny finish.
6. Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 3 cups of granulated sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the lemon juice and simmer for about 10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Allow it to cool.
7. Serving and Enjoying:
- Once the maamoul have cooled, arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with some additional sugar syrup for extra sweetness, if desired.
- Serve alongside a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or tea and enjoy the delectable Maamoul Mad Bil Ashta!
Conclusion:
Maamoul Mad Bil Ashta is a true testament to the artistry of Middle Eastern pastry making. With its layers of flavor and textures, it's the perfect treat for celebrations, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. So, roll up your sleeves, follow these steps, and prepare to impress your family and friends with your homemade Maamoul masterpiece. Happy baking!
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