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mafroukeh on a plate
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4.95 from 17 votes

Mafroukeh - Pistachio Dessert With Cream

Mafroukeh is a mouthwatering dessert made of layered pistachio semolina dough, homemade cream, and topped with an orange blossom sugar syrup. 
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

For the simple syrup:

  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the semolina dough:

  • ½ cup shelled raw pistachios
  • ½ cup coarse semolina
  • 2 tablespoon ghee or butter
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water

For the ashta:

  • 1 cup milk any kind
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the Simple Syrup

  • Dissolve the sugar and water in a saucepan on the stove. Bring to a boil and add the lemon juice, stirring until it thickens, then add in the orange blossom water and set aside to cool.

Make the Ashta

  • Whisk together all the ingredients in a small pot (except the orange blossom water) until the dry ingredients have dissolved. 
  • Set the mixture on medium-high heat on the stove and whisk consistently until it starts to boil, and keep whisking until it starts to thicken. As soon as it starts to get very thick, add the orange blossom water, give it a mix, and transfer to a bowl to cool. Cover with plastic wrap. 

Make the Semolina Base

  • Start by grinding the sugar and pistachios in your food processor and set aside. 
  • Melt the ghee in a pan on the stove and fry the semolina in it until golden, then add the water and mix consistently until it thickens significantly. 
  • Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then place the semolina mixture into the food processor with the pistachios and pulse until fully incorporated. 

Assemble

  • Press the semolina dough into a 9-inch springform pan, then top with your cooled ashta and garnish. Let it set in the fridge for a few hours. 
  • Pour some simple syrup on top as desired when ready to serve. 

Notes

  • You can use store-bought ashta if you wish (you'll find it at most Middle Eastern pastry shops)
  • You can skip the syrup. I like to serve it on the side so each person can control how sweet they want their portion to be. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.9g | Protein: 10.5g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 3.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 143mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 30g